Tom Clonan (Independent)

I thank the Minister of State. I am very reassured to hear that the CEO of the HSE, Mr. Gloster, shares the concerns of these three therapists. To look at this in the round, they were so concerned that they reached out to a public representative looking for help. My background is in researching systemic and systematic sexual violence in the Defence Forces. When reprisal is visited on the person who discloses such sexual abuse, the problem persists. That is why we have had 25 years of ongoing abuse of women in the Defence Forces, notwithstanding the original disclosures that were made. The harm is not reduced. That is my concern here. The Minister of State is alarmed at the manner in which this matter has been handled. It has not been dealt with properly. The most important thing here is the welfare of children. The ongoing reprisal against the senior therapist has to stop now because it will deter other people of integrity from coming forward if they fear reprisal and retaliation within the west and north west region.