Tom Clonan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that information. On a personal level, I thank him for deviating from the brief he was given to try to address some of my questions. I do appreciate it. Again, I apologise for the comments I made about what I called the rhetorical device. I know it was not something the Minister of State wrote himself. I reiterate that it is personal to the Minister of State and I do appreciate the frankness of his reply.

This case is emblematic of the moral injury experienced by people, our disabled citizens and community of carers. Even the last paragraph of this letter from the disabilities services manager refers to the fact that notwithstanding the allegations, the parent has indicated that they want their child to continue to avail of this service. Why should the child, Caitlin Hassan, be further punished by having to move to another location because of the abuse that was visited upon her? Surely those involved and the perpetrator should be asked to move and not her.

I thank the Minister of State. I also thank the Acting Chairperson for her perseverance and patience with me. I do appreciate it.