Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like other Members, I pay tribute to the Cathaoirleach and his team for an outstanding event yesterday. It was certainly a dignified event that captured what is different and diverse about Seanad Éireann. Well done to everybody involved.

I find myself speaking again today on Shannon Heritage. Last Friday, Clare County Council announced it was withdrawing from the process of acquiring Shannon Heritage sites in County Clare because of inactivity at Government level and the failure by the Government to make available the €15 million needed to ensure the long-term viability of the facilities. I do not know what is going on in the Government. One Minister does not seen to be talking to the other. It is totally unacceptable. Heading into Christmas, the staff and management of Shannon Heritage do not know whether they are coming or going or what the plan is for the future of these extremely important tourist attractions in County Clare.

I also raise the issue of the Owenacurra Centre in Midleton simply because what is happening in Cork is wrong. The performance of the head of the Mental Health Commission at the Joint Committee on Disability Matters last Thursday was diabolical. The condescending approach taken when answering questions from Deputies Hourigan and Cairns was totally unacceptable. I do not know what more we can do in regard to Owenacurra but I believe there needs to be an investigation into the circumstances of the centre's closure. That needs to be headed up by a retired High Court judge because what has happened is unacceptable. We cannot stand by without asking the questions that need to be answered.