Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Higgins on the importance of the information campaign being clear and explanatory. The Minister of State made a very pertinent point when he used the word "informer". We must move away from that perception and mindset. The Minister of State is very open-minded but I have a concern. I do not have a fraction of the knowledge of Senator Higgins but I have experience of meeting people who have been involved in different organisations. I appreciate the Minister is trying to change the culture but I am a little worried about the information campaign. I understand and appreciate that the legislative format is not the way to go. However, if we consider how far we have come in encouraging people to come forward, it is important to ensure that the information campaign makes this easy and accessible. I hope we will do that because it is important that we change the culture and behaviour and treat people with respect. We treat people with respect now but that was not always the case.

Senator Higgins made a couple of pertinent points about the information campaign and changing perception. There is an element of reflecting on what she has said, which I support. I know the Minister of State has replied.