Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Craughwell for putting down this motion. As the fella says, when you talk with personal experience, you talk with passion and power. I have spoken to Senator Craughwell many times and I welcome Rebecca here today. I have spoken to him many times over the years about the challenges his family and Rebecca have faced in dealing with this issue. As somebody with a lived experience of a disability, I know what it is like to talk because you are talking with the knowledge, experience, heartache and hope. One always have hope. I commend the Senator and his family on what they have done and on bringing this here because it is going to get results. I have no doubt about that.

I listened to what the Minister of State said and Senator Craughwell's presentation. I agree with Senator Clonan that, if there has not been movement in the right direction in six months' time by the professionals sitting here, we will have to address it in some other way. I have no doubt that the Minister of State will make sure that this happens. She is here and is listening. Having worked with her over the years, I know what she is like and know her determination. I am very hopeful. It is not a lot of money when we are looking at the €25.7 billion health budget that was announced yesterday, but it is critical. The money involved is critical because it will make a difference.

I appeal to families and parents to make sure their children and young adults avail of the HPV vaccine. I have worked on the whole issue of HPV awareness over the past number of years. I salute the late Laura Brennan and her parents who have kept the campaign going. When the Government announced it was extending the vaccine programme, I remember how proud and delighted Laura's parents were that her legacy lived on. It is always important to keep reminding people of the importance of the vaccine. I continue to salute the Brennan family in the work they do. I am sure everyone here would join me in encouraging families to have the conversation, but more importantly, take the vaccine because it works and it saves an awful lot going forward.

I am glad the Government is not opposing Senator Craughwell's motion. When I read it, I assumed it would not but I am glad it did not because it is the right thing to do. The one great thing about this Chamber, and I say this to our visitors, is that when something is the right thing to do, in most cases we come together. We speak in unison and with one voice. When we do that, it can be very powerful. When we do not divide when it is the right thing to do, we can be a very influential and powerful Chamber. That is why the people voted to retain us: to do this type of thing, to support colleagues who have lived experience and make very sensible, pragmatic and necessary proposals. That is what is happening here. I am glad that this Chamber at least will come together behind our friend and colleague Gerard and his family on this very personal mission to deliver and achieve so as future generations will benefit. I am glad it is happening. I hope the united voice of this Chamber that has gone out loud and clear this evening is picked up on and influences, informs and supports the Government in doing what it needs to do to make sure the desired outcome is achieved.