Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)

As of 8 June more than 6,500 applications had been received for the payment scheme. More than 5,200 payments had been processed and completed or were in the process of being made. More than 5,800 notices of termination had issued applicants, over 82% of which contained an offer of benefits. The value of financial payments to date is more than €65 million, a not insignificant amount of money but, in the context of what went on for decades and decades, no amount could be put on it.

As I pointed out, section 49 of the Act provides the Minister with a clear opportunity to add an additional institution based on the advocacy and the determination received. That is the opportunity for Westbank. It is an opportunity that needs to be realised. I thank Senator Boyhan for raising the matter today.