Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fail)

I also raise the issue of Fiona Pender and the search for her body that is under way. Senator O'Loughlin raised this matter. It is a story that has haunted us all. We all want a good outcome for her brother, now her only serving next-of-kin, whereby her body and that of her unborn baby - Fiona was seven months pregnant - are found.

I raise the need for a debate in the House regarding addiction services for women in particular. We know from the statistics that women face specific barriers in accessing services. There is a stigma attached to women suffering from alcohol, drug or gambling addictions, which can be very disruptive in their lives. Women are often reluctant to come forward at an early stage and to seek support because quite often they fear that their children will be taken into care if they do so. That then spirals and huge harms are done to the person and their family. We need a good debate with the Minister in this House specifically on addiction services for women. I would appreciate it if the Leader could organise this debate.