Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. To say I am disappointed is an understatement. It is almost verbatim word for word of what I heard from the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, 11 months ago on this issue. On that occasion she told me the Bill would be published before the end of 2021. Now we are saying it will be done towards the end of this Oireachtas term. This is a frightening statement. The past 12 months have come and gone. These parents have no security when it comes to the legislation that has been promised. They have been through an horrendous experience and they need the State to stand up and make sure the failure in the legislative process that allowed this to happen will be dealt with.

I fully understand this is a complicated issue. I fully understand the great need for consultation. From what I heard 11 months ago, and from what I have heard this afternoon, unfortunately I have no confidence we will have the legislation published. It is a priority in the programme for Government. It is a priority in the legislative programme. It has been this way since 2019. We are trying to bring forward legislation that will enact a report published by the then Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, in 2006.It is frightening that we do not have a timeline on when this legislation will be brought forward.