Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with the words others have said about the late Austin Currie, leader of the civil rights movement. His occupation of a house in Caledon was a seminal moment, born of his burning desire for justice. He was elected to Stormont at 24 years of age, became leader of the SDLP, was elected to the Dáil in 1989, served as a Minister of State from 1994 until 1997 and was a presidential election candidate. He was courageous, brilliant and completely giving of himself. As has been well said by others, he was a man of peace. He fulfilled the Christian ideal to the letter of the law.

I had a personal connection with Mr. Currie. The first time I was elected to this House, he came to my local community to make a little presentation of a piece of crystal to me. He came with Annita. It meant we came to know each other. I always remember that, the warmth he brought with him and the affection he was held in by the people. His spirit lives on in our colleague, Emer. I offer my sympathies to Annita, Emer and their family. Go bhfana sé ar thaobh na láimhe deise ó Dhia.

I will briefly join in the words that have been said about Senator Norris. He has been a pioneering social reformer and was one of the greatest parliamentarians of the 20th century. He is man who has broken moulds. We badly needed him in this country. I have raised my last issue with the Leader previously. It relates to the waiting list for child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS. I asked the Leader whether something can be done to shorten it? Where is this at now? It is a horror to leave children in this state. I cannot see a greater social priority than to deal with the CAMHS list. My understanding is that it is too long and I would like a comment on it, and action on it.