Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

I thank colleagues for their engagement. Senator Boyhan has outlined the reasons I cannot accept amendment No. 3. It is specifically due to the naming but also the reference to the provision of resources, which is not something I can agree to. It is something that must be worked through on a yearly basis. I have outlined to him in writing our commitment to Sage - to the work it has done and the work it is currently doing. I also referred to the existing supports: the 13 staff and the €1.7 million. There is a commitment to ensure that, when the review takes place before the end of the current round of funding at the end of 2026, the support continues. I believe that it will also be possible to make changes to expand or adapt it.

Speaking to the Senator's previous point, we all have a role in making sure that people understand that Sage is there for them and that there are advocates and individuals across the country to support survivors in whatever way they need and by whatever means. I hope my commitment is very clear: Sage is a very important organisation, especially in the context we are discussing here today. It is doing very positive work. I hope more people will be able to avail of that support. I am committed to continuing to provide funding for such support and resources.

In parallel with that and as Senator Boyhan mentioned, there was a commitment made today by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Deputy Foley, to the role of the advocate. The first report was published today. It is important that the role continue. It complements and works with Sage Advocacy in providing support. While I cannot accept the amendment, I accept the spirit of what Senator Boyhan is trying to achieve. I make a clear commitment to him today about the importance of Sage and its role in the resources once the legislation has been enacted.

Unfortunately, I cannot accept the second amendment, No. 4. I understand the points that are being made about those who are not included in the Bill, which is very specific and directly linked to those who had previously received redress. The same criteria were applied to Caranua, so they must apply to anybody availing of the health or educational supports. They do not apply to Sage, which is there for all people to engage with, but specifically to the elements that are mentioned in this legislation.

Section 49 relates to the mother and baby institutions, which come under the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, so any changes in that regard would have to take place under its remit. The Senator mentioned the criteria relating to the mother and baby homes scheme, but they are not the criteria that apply here. While I appreciate it was some years ago, we have to apply the same criteria in this legislation as applied to somebody who applied under the original redress scheme. They are the criteria that will apply once this legislation is passed and the supports are in place. Unfortunately, for those reasons, I will not be able to accept the amendment.