Tom Clonan (Independent)

With no disrespect to the Minister of State, that response is wholly inadequate. Saying, "We do not comment on individual cases" or, "This is a matter for the relevant authorities" is a rhetorical device that is used by the HSE, the Department of Health and previous Ministers. These are the systemic failures identified quite clearly in the Grace case. When people like Louise and Caitlin renounce their anonymity and come forward, as many rape victims do, such as in the recent case of Nikita Hand, for example, we commend them for coming forward because they want the issue to be addressed. It is not good enough for the Minister or the HSE to say they cannot address it. They must address this individual case. Is the Minister of State not shocked, having heard everything we heard about the Grace case, that this is happening right now on our watch? Rather than spending taxpayers’ money, our money, on supporting Caitlin, they are mobilising those funds in order to fight and engage in inappropriate and adversarial processes against this family.

I am disappointed the Minister is not here. I appreciate the Minister of State coming in. He is a person of absolute integrity and I know he is shocked and upset by this. We can and must do better. This situation cannot be allowed to stand. It cannot be allowed to continue. It is the Grace case before our very eyes and, this time, we have the power to intervene. I ask the Minister to do so.