Simon Harris
Wicklow · Fine Gael · Ireland
“There are more than 10,000 routes and thousands of buses involved and the number of students using the services is not a million miles away from 200,000. The current terms of the scheme are going to continue to apply for the 2026-27 school year.”
“I thank Deputy McDonald for raising what is genuinely an important issue. I do take the point that when we talk about this in the abstract or from a process point of view in here, that for people watching this is their real lived experience.”
“There number of children who have been supported by means of the school transport scheme, as Deputy Fitzmaurice knows and has alluded to, has grown significantly in recent years. Since 2018, the number increased from 120,000 in 2018 to more than 181,000 now. Included in that figure are 24,000 pupils with special educational needs.”
“I knew the Deputy would have to mention the GAA, especially with Galway and Limerick playing at the weekend. I wish everybody involved the best of luck. We are very committed to the school transport scheme. If the Deputy wants to see our commitment, he should look to our budget.”
“An ageing population, increasing healthcare needs, the transition to net zero and the need for continued investment in housing, energy and infrastructure will place a significant demand on public resources.”
“There is also a legitimacy to the point the Deputy made about how it is a legitimate form of transport for some people. We see this working in other European countries. We see it in our nearest neighbours. I do not want to get the regime wrong, but I think they have registration at the point of purchase that allows people to track this.”
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“A Garda investigation is under way and Tusla will complete a rapid review in the coming days that will then be referred to the national review panel. The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality will then advise Government of any further steps or actions she believes are required.”
“The short answer is "Yes". There is a commitment in the programme for Government to do that and it needs to happen as quickly as possible. I heard the chair of the national review panel in recent days. She was very robust in her explanation of the work it does and her confidence that this work could be done in a manner that would be expeditious and thorough. It has independent legal advisers but the point about putting it on a statutory footing is entirely accepted by Government. It is a valid point. It would be extraordinarily foolish at this stage for the Government to rule out any action that may be required. This case shook our country to the core. What has happened is deeply distressing and it is even more distressing when we see the name and the face of the little boy Daniel. We are seeking to establish the facts.”
“In direct answer to the Deputy's question, we keep an open mind on exactly what he asked. We have got to see where the facts bring us in the coming days.”
“This is a deeply distressing situation that is somewhat evolving in terms of what we are learning in real time. In addition and separately to that, there will be an independently chaired well-being review of all child welfare cases that were closed during the Covid-19 pandemic and where there has been no further contact with the child since. This number stands at 42,000, when all periods of school closure during Covid are taken into account, which takes in the early part of 2022 as well as 2020 and 2021. There are also a number of commitments to change our legislation in relation to the Child Care Act, which would provide further protections in respect of child protection and welfare services in the State and strengthen the child protection legal framework, increase the powers of Tusla and ensure greater co-operation.”
“There is obviously the Garda investigation, which the Deputy and I rightly did not comment on. Tusla is conducting the rapid review process of its own engagement with Daniel's family and the Minister for children has asked that the national review panel prioritises the review of this case. Once the Tusla rapid review is completed, which I understand will be within days, that will then be forwarded to the national review panel. It will examine any engagement Daniel and his parents had with health, social, education or any other State services. The national review panel has an independent chair, along with its own independent legal advisers. It makes findings of fact and produces reports that are objective and independent of Tusla, but I do not rule anything out at this stage.”
“We think of them and their families, and the trauma they must be enduring today as well, of course, as the incredible trauma being endured by everybody who knew Daniel. On the Deputy's comments about the sad photo not doing Daniel justice, I heard a lot of commentary about that this morning on the radio. I saw a happy photo released to RTÉ with his arms outstretched playing with his toys, with a beautiful smile, that I presume captured the essence of a beautiful young boy. Our hearts break for them now. The Deputy asked a fair question. My honest to God answer is I do not think we can rule anything out at this stage. The responsible thing for us to do is to try to establish the facts, but we cannot rule anything out. What is the situation as of now?”
“I thank the Deputy for his kindness and solidarity. I very much appreciated the very kind letter I received, on behalf of his parliamentary party, from Deputy Jen Cummins. I look forward to all of us working on a cross-party basis, as suggested by the Ceann Comhairle, on safety in public life. I thank the Deputy very much for that. The Deputy is entirely correct in the way he summed up the most horrific and tragic situation in relation to Daniel. He is right that we do not yet know what went wrong but that something went seriously wrong, captures exactly the situation we find ourselves in. I pay tribute to the gardaí and all those involved in the search for little Daniel. None of us can really imagine or comprehend how traumatic an experience that must be for all of those on the front line.”
“France has played a very constructive role. We may see our near neighbours in the UK take their own decision on recognition in the coming days, which would be a welcome step forward. We remain committed to evacuations. The Minister for Health is doing very good work on this from a medical point of view. We are doing good work in terms of those looking to come here to study as well. We all know there is complexity around this, but anyone we can help in that context we are helping. At a UN level, the Taoiseach, the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, and I will be in New York for UN High-level Week next week. This issue will be a major priority, as you would imagine.”
“Yes, we can and will take action at national level. There is a political consensus on that. We all gave commitments during the election. I am happy to do that, but the Deputy will also remember the previous Government's position was always whether we could get to a point where Europe might act. That looked very remote when this genocide started. It now looks like a distinct prospect. We have got to try to see this through. One way or the other, in a democratic Europe, we have every right to be able to vote for these proposals and to show we are voting to take this action against Israel to try to stop what Netanyahu is doing. That needs to happen and to happen quickly. The Deputy is right that we are not alone. There is a growing coalition, including Slovenia, Spain and Belgium, as she said, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.”
“Again, I do not dismiss that and I committed to doing it, but if we want to make an impact here, acting at an EU level has always been the best way to do it because, while the political power may seem to be whatever goes on between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, the economic ability that Europe has in relation to Israel and making it change its course is highly significant.”
“We cannot wait a further six weeks, after all the inaction to date. I am leading a diplomatic effort to try to get a number of member states to seek an urgent meeting so that member states can vote. There is nowhere to hide here. You are either in favour or against these measures to try to help end a genocide. I hope that can happen. At a domestic level, I spoke to Senator Black briefly the other day. I am due to meet her on my return from the UN High-level Week, which is taking place next week. We are still committed to legislating. Party leaders will shortly meet the Attorney General on how best to do that. I am happy to brief the Opposition as well. However, I have to be honest with the House and the people of Ireland about passing our own legislation.”
“To have had the European Commission ratify proposals yesterday that are very far-reaching and quite appropriate – and very delayed, by the way – represents a not-insignificant moment; it is actually a very important moment. In practice, this would have a very significant impact on Israel economically and, I believe, has the potential to change Netanyahu’s calculus in relation to the continuance of the genocide in Gaza. My priority in the here and now has to be, and the Deputy would expect it to be, to try to see if we can get a majority of member states to vote for these sanctions and to do so very quickly. The next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, outside a UN meeting next week, is not due for approximately six weeks. It is the same with the European Council. A genocide is going on.”
“As the Deputy can imagine, it is very complex to get people evacuated from Gaza. The Deputy is right that we in this House, or indeed Ireland, did not need anybody else to tell us a genocide was happening in Gaza. Ireland was one of the first countries in Europe, if not the first, to call it what it is. The UN independent inquiry has now found the same thing. We have also seen statements of fact around a man-made famine in Gaza. These views are no longer just Ireland’s, mine or Deputy Bacik’s; these are views that are factually based and evidence based and that the world cannot ignore. The European Commission decision yesterday is hugely significant. As the Deputy knows from her engagements at European level, and as I know from mine, Ireland’s voice has been in the minority for quite a long time.”
“I thank Deputy Bacik. I do not know her councillor, Corina Johnston, but I heard her on “Morning Ireland” this morning. I thought she spoke for so many people and for her community on the very tragic situation. I thank her for that. I thank the Deputy and her party for their constructive engagement. Of course, we will give consideration to Deputy Smith’s Bill. From an Irish perspective, literally around now 15 young Palestinians have been safely evacuated from Gaza. Fourteen of them are students who will be coming to study in Ireland. One is coming here on a critical-skills Visa. They are safely in Jordan, where they will be medically screened. Obviously, they are coming from a famine zone and war zone, a place where genocide is happening. They are due to arrive in Ireland tomorrow. I thank everybody who has worked so hard on this.”
“The first thing it was asked to do was look specifically at measures that can be taken for this winter and measures that can inform the Government in advance of the budget. I expect the Minister to receive the report very shortly.”
“The fuel allowance season will be kicking off on Monday for more people than ever before. That will make a real difference to the Deputy’s constituents and mine, with more benefiting in his county and mine than ever before. I am also telling him about other practical measures we have taken in the here and now, including reducing the rate of VAT on people’s energy bills. That was a practical measure. It was a costly measure but the right thing to do. I do agree, however, on this: there is a structural issue in relation to our energy market that we need to get on top of. That is why one of the first steps the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, took was to establish the task force on energy affordability.”
“I do not want to be too argumentative the first week back but the Sinn Féin proposal to help people with their energy bills was to subsidise these massive energy companies. Its proposal was to give our taxpayers’ money to the energy companies. That was bonkers, in fairness, but I believe Sinn Féin reflected on it and changed its policy. Sinn Féin was not a big fan of the energy credits and I do not believe it committed to them even in its manifesto. It is now jumping on every bandwagon going. We are going to take action. Energy costs are real, and I do not disagree with the Deputy that the cost of energy in Ireland is too high and a real cause of worry for people. I am telling him and, more important, the people of this country today what we are doing to help those in need.”
“Yes, we are targeting money at those most in need through the fuel allowance – I am sure the Deputy will welcome its expansion and the fact that it will be available from Monday and for the next 28 weeks – and also, more broadly, the 9% VAT rate, which everybody’s bills benefit from. Also, the task force on energy affordability, under the leadership of the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, and chaired by him, brings a range of stakeholders, including the ESRI, together to look at proposals. It is due to report to the Minister very shortly. I want people at home to know that we hear them on the cost of energy and know about the cost of living. It is usually right that you wait for the budget before you criticise it.”
“The first item with which the task force was charged was to produce an interim report to consider what measures could be taken to support customers this winter, which measures are to be produced and given to the Minister in advance of budget 2026 so they can help inform decisions we take then. The Deputy is right that we are moving back to an annual budget process this year, but that is not the same as saying we do not intend to take action to help families with the cost of living. However, we have got to take measures that are sustainable and permanent. We are moving away from one-off measures to permanent, sustainable ones. I have given the Deputy a number of examples of practical decisions we have taken.”
“I am not sure whether it was a measure Deputy Doherty was supportive of or had proposed. It is a costly measure but it is absolutely right to lower the VAT rate on people’s bills in the here and now. We did not need to wait for any budget or for the Deputy to stand up on Leaders’ Questions and ask us to do it; we took the decision and have implemented it, and that makes a difference to people’s bills. Under the national development plan, only before the summer recess we allocated €3.5 billion to EirGrid because we have got to get better in terms of our energy supply in this country, which has a direct knock-on consequence in terms of cost. Crucially, we have established a cross-government energy-affordability task force. The Deputy is right that the cost of energy in this country is too high.”
“The Deputy will remember that in the most recent budget, we took decisions that mean the means test exemption, which had applied to people over the age of 70, will now apply to people from the age of 66. I want people at home to know, particularly the most vulnerable and those in most need of assistance, that the fuel allowance season will kick off on Monday. It can be applied for very easily from mywelfare.ie and if you have received the payments in the past, you do not need to reapply. I also want people to know that we have already taken some other decisions to try to help people more broadly with the cost of energy. We took the decision when we came back into government to extend the 9% VAT rate for gas and electricity. This is providing a relief for both families and businesses.”
“I know the cost of energy is a real concern for families across the country. It is a real concern as the evenings get darker and colder. I assure people at home that this Government is taking action to help them with the cost of energy. It is from Monday next week that fuel season begins. From Monday, 22 September and for the next 28 weeks, fuel allowance payments will be paid to over 400,000 homes across the country. The payment is worth approximately €924 in the fuel season. It can be paid in a weekly amount of €33 or two lump-sum payments of just over €460. As a result of decisions we made in the previous budget, more people than ever before will qualify.”
“May I begin by expressing the shock and sadness that we, as a country, are feeling about the deeply tragic and upsetting scene unfolding in Donabate. As a country, we have been gripped for weeks by the search for this missing little boy. Until today, we did not know his name, but we know it now. His name was Daniel. Until today, we had not seen his face, but now the image of this beautiful little boy is seared into our consciousness. I know there is a Garda investigation ongoing into both the scene and the circumstances. That must be allowed to do its work. However, it is fair to say that this is a moment of significant public distress and concern. The State processes must be thorough and robust in establishing all the facts. I thank Deputy Doherty for raising what is an important issue.”
“It is eager to do more and I think to do more in Cork. I am happy to work with the Deputy on that. I am very impressed on the return on investment, to be blunt. I do not mean that in terms of money but the success ONE has in people transitioning from its accommodation into housing and into a stable life, quite frankly, after some very difficult circumstances. There is definitely room to do more work with that organisation and we are in active discussion with it on that.”
“I would have to get the Deputy a detailed building-by-building breakdown, but my understanding is the ones assessed to be uninhabitable are deemed so because there is a very significant requirement of work to bring them into any sort of line with modern building regulations, rather than it being more preferential to have something laid out in a different way. I am happy to get the Deputy more information on it but we have commissioned consultants to assess the condition of the housing stock and identify what might be suitable for conversion or refurbishment versus what does not make sense to work on from a value-for-money point of view. The Deputy's point about those who previously served is a good one. He will be familiar with the work of ONE. I think it has housing facilities in his county.”
“I am very much committed to overhauling both the built environment and the working conditions for the men and women of the Defence Forces. I hope this significant increase in investment outlines that commitment. We will have to make a call in 2026 about the uninhabitable accommodation and what can and cannot be made habitable. I see that as part of our overall accommodation plan for the Defence Forces.”
“The Deputy is not wrong, but it is a balance to do with what is a sensible investment. Are we better off spending money on new accommodation projects and getting on with that and driving forward on that? We see the 775 beds that have been completed since 2020. Nearly €50 million was spent on that. There are 12 other accommodation projects under way, providing in excess of 500 additional beds. That is 775 plus 500. We need to make a call, and we will in 2026 with this procurement plan, about what might be salvageable with the level of investment. Obviously if there is anything that can be done then we will do that but we are only going to put our Defence Forces personnel into accommodation that would meet what the Deputy and I would consider to be of the reasonable and decent standard they are entitled to.”
“These developments will dovetail with an extensive wider programme of Defence Forces accommodation procurement, especially investment in accommodation for serving personnel. I advise the Deputy that since the launch of the infrastructure development plan in January 2020 a lot of accommodation projects have been completed. I think it is €49.7 million worth of projects for the accommodation space providing 775 beds.”
“There are currently 80 uninhabitable residential Defence Forces buildings. None of these uninhabitable properties can be brought up to a habitable standard without significant work. Many of them were built prior to the introduction of building regulations, for example. As such, considerable work will be needed to bring them up to modern standards. Consultants were commissioned to assess the condition of the Defence Forces vacant housing stock and its suitability for conversion or refurbishment to provide for additional single living-in accommodation for Defence Forces personnel. My officials are subsequently engaged with the Defence Forces to have these projects included in the existing infrastructure development plan and have discussed the prioritisation of same. It is intended to begin the procurement phase for this project in 2026.”
“This basically a sharing system for when we become aware of something in our waters. A lot of this would have happened on an ad hoc basis in the past as good relations are already in place, but we need to better co-ordinate information when we see something in our seas that can move into somebody else's seas. We are seeing more and more of this happening. We are seeing more and more bad actors in this space. This system provides us with an exchange to co-ordinate that information sharing and is working well.”
“These are very significant developments that have taken place. Regarding the need to develop a national maritime security strategy, the waters over which we have exclusive economic authority are about seven times larger than the land mass of this country, so we have to have a better understanding and better security structures in place regarding that. This is why we are leading on the national maritime security strategy. We ran a public consultation over the summer and received about 300 responses. I expect to receive the national maritime security strategy by the end of the year. That is another key step in terms of the security of our country. Regarding the common information sharing exchange, the Deputy is correct in saying that I took the decision for the Defence Forces to opt in to this.”
“I know the Deputy may be particularly interested in some of the projects in his own county of Cork, so let me take the opportunity to highlight two of them. They involve the upgrade of two buildings, namely, block 4 accommodation and block 9 office accommodation at the naval base in Haulbowline. One involves €7.8 million, while the other involves €17.4 million. I am also pleased to say that we have seen a refurbishment of block 1 accommodation in Collins Barracks at an investment of €4.9 million. Millions are being invested in the defence facilities in Cork.”
“I acknowledge the Deputy's family's proud tradition of service in our Defence Forces. I know that he will very much agree that investing in our defence infrastructure is not just about investment in buildings or vehicles. It is actually an investment in our people, in keeping them safe, providing them with the best equipment and ensuring they are trained to the highest possible standard. It is about ensuring our soldiers, sailors and air crew can carry out their duties in a safe and secure environment. I am really pleased to inform the Deputy that we have a number of really significant capital projects at various stages of the procurement pipeline, including the significant investment we will make in sonar and radar capabilities, which I believe will be transformational.”
“This is a very significant rise, at about €600 million for Defence Force capital over the next five years compared with the previous five.”
“All the completed projects represent a significant step towards enhancing the experiences of our Defence Forces personnel by providing them with a high-quality, modern living and working environment. This year alone, 13 projects are under way at construction stage, many of which are due to finish in the next 12 months, with a combined value of €60 million. Most notable are the new military medical facility at Casement Aerodrome, the new gym and obstacle course along with the locker block at the Joint Induction Training Centre at Gormanston campus, and the refurbishment of block 1 accommodation in Collins Barracks. I am very pleased to say that the significant extra capital investment we have received in the national development plan will enable us to spend a lot more on capital.”
“The amount of funding given towards such developments has increased significantly year on year. For example, €37 million was allocated in 2021. This has risen this year to €62.5 million. I hope this level of investment demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring the development of our military infrastructure. I am pleased to say that over the past five years, 43 capital infrastructure projects were completed across Defence Forces installations and barracks. Some of the most notable projects include the upgrade and refurbishment of blocks within the historic McKee Barracks, the new training and accommodation facility at Renmore, the Cadet School at the Defence Forces Training Centre in the Curragh Camp and the upgrade of block 4 accommodation at Haulbowline.”
“I thank the Deputy for his question and for the opportunity to discuss the considerable investment made by my Department in the Defence Forces over the past five years. This is much-needed investment when we have to do more in terms of our national security and defence. The Defence Forces infrastructure development plan, IDP, sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The programme reflects the complex environment in which the Defence Forces operate and the need for appropriate infrastructure to provide accommodation and training of personnel as well as the maintenance and storage of equipment. There has been a consistent commitment to capital works development and the improvement of military installations and barracks across the country.”
“I will try to come back to the Deputy with a timeline in the next couple of weeks as to how we can move this forward. It does not necessarily have to wait for defence legislation. Other legislation could move more quickly.”
“I am aware that the UN is providing information but my satisfaction will depend on whether the family are satisfied, so I want to keep in close contact with them. I had the honour of meeting John McNeela at the national day of commemoration. When I met him, I credited the Deputy regarding his advocacy of the family's situation. We are committed to rectifying this in primary legislation and I spoke to my Secretary General in recent days about this. It will need to be changed through primary legislation. I am not sure there is an administrative solution but I have asked for the quickest Bill into which to insert this amendment. If it can be a vehicle other than a defence Bill, I am open to that. We are engaging with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Social Protection.”
“My Department is in very close contact with the UN Secretariat but more importantly, we are keeping in very close contact with Private Rooney's family, particularly Natasha, his mum. I will continue to ensure she is kept fully up to date. I will attend the UN General Assembly in the coming days, where I hope I may have an opportunity to further discuss this issue.”
“I should have also said that an independent inquiry is being undertaken by Mr. Michael Delaney SC, which is ongoing. This review is examining the internal tactics, techniques, processes and procedures employed by the Defence Forces with a view to determining whether there are any lessons to be learned from the circumstances surrounding Private Rooney’s death. Mr. Delaney is expected to present a report to me in quarter 4 of this year. I have raised the apprehension of the person convicted specifically with the justice minister of Lebanon. I told him how vital it is not only that justice be served in court, but that there is no point giving out a big sentence if the person has still not been apprehended. He assured me that this remains a priority for the justice forces and the Lebanese Government. I will continue to monitor that.”
“I have since followed up with phone calls to the Lebanese ministers for defence and justice, after which the Lebanese Minister of Justice confirmed to me that an appeal on the sentencing had been lodged to the military court. Just this week, I issued further correspondence to the Lebanese authorities seeking details on the appeals process. I will remain fully engaged in the progress of the appeals process and will ensure that family members continue to be updated. Regarding the coroner’s inquest into the death of Private Rooney, further hearings will take place in the coming months. Both my Department and the Defence Forces are co-operating with this process in full.”
“Following this hearing, the Deputy will be aware that both I and the Taoiseach expressed our extreme disappointment at the lenient sentences imposed on a number of the defendants. In seeking to express the Government's disappointment with the sentences handed down, and while being fully mindful of the independence of the Lebanese judicial system, I wrote to the Lebanese Government, including the ministers for defence, justice and foreign affairs, following the hearing. In my letters, I expressed the disappointment of the Government of Ireland at the leniency of the sentences handed down to the defendants in the case and urged the Lebanese authorities to do everything in their power to apprehend the main defendant so he can serve his sentence.”
“I can also confirm there has been sustained and constructive engagement with the UN Secretariat on this matter over the past two and a half years through Ireland’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. The last hearing of the trial was held on 28 July. My officials, members of the Defence Forces, Ireland’s ambassador and our honorary consul to Lebanon, and the Department’s Lebanese lawyer all attended the hearing along with a member of Private Rooney's family. The hearing saw the conclusion of the court proceedings, with one defendant convicted of murder and the attempted killing of other Irish personnel. A variety of lighter custodial sentences and fines were imposed on others involved in the incident, including the full acquittal of one defendant.”
“I thank the Deputy, who rightly raises this issue with me regularly. It is important we continue to keep the focus and pressure in terms of justice on these matters. Since the events of 14 December 2022, in which Private Seán Rooney was killed, and Trooper Shane Kearney and other personnel from the 121st Battalion were injured, the Government has consistently expressed determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident be fully established and that no stone be left unturned to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. Both I and my officials have consistently raised this matter with the Lebanese authorities on a regular basis. I assure the Deputy and the House we will continue to do so.”
“It has very exciting plans to further expand the number of locations across the country, which my Department and other Departments are endeavouring to try to assist them with now. This is an area where we are in a better place as a country in our awareness of veterans and the supports that are there than we were a number of years ago. There is still a journey to go. If we can establish an office of veterans' affairs, that will in and of itself mean a lot to people because it is recognition. It will be a very public statement of recognition for anybody who has served that we see them, hear them, want to work with them, have their back, want to better co-ordinate how we support them and thank them for their service. That is why it is a priority to establish this. I will certainly keep in close contact with the Deputy on it.”
“I fully agree. You are entirely right. If I felt everything was perfect, I would not passionately believe we need to establish the office of veteran affairs. The Deputy is entirely right. There is a need for a greater sustained focus and co-ordination on the range of issues veterans can experience in the here and now, as the Deputy said, immediately after leaving the Defence Forces and returning from a mission, but also years down the road. We have a duty to them after their service to our country. On the issue of housing, I was very impressed by the work being done by the organisation ONE, when I visited it in Smithfield, where housing options are provided for people who have served as veterans and who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”
“In such circumstances, there is access to supports, including through ONE, an organisation we fund. It has services, including critical incident stress management services. There is a 24-hour confidential counselling, referral and support helpline and primary medical care from a dedicated team of Defence Forces medical officers and contracted civilian GPs, but there is much more we need to do in this area. Other countries have done a lot in this space. Many countries have a dedicated minister of state for veteran affairs. That is a natural progression we should see over time, with a greater focus on the work done by the men and women who have served on peacekeeping missions. The establishment of this office is an important step. It is a priority. I expect good progress on it this year and to build on it in 2026.”
“I want to see it established in some form this year. We need to consider its role, responsibility and the required resources, but we should get it up and running, even if we get it up and running and then have to grow it in the time ahead. To date, consultation meetings have been held with ONE and the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers, ARCO. We are scheduling meetings with the other two representative associations I mentioned. The Deputy mentioned the specific issue of mental health supports to veterans. This is an important point. As with other members of society, former members of the Permanent Defence Force can, of course, experience difficulties. They can often find themselves in unique circumstances relative to the rest of our population.”
“I thank the Deputy for mentioning Gena Heraty. It gives me an opportunity to pay tribute to her. I had the honour of speaking to her on the phone a while back. She is the closest thing I have ever encountered to a living saint. In Westport, County Mayo, and right across Ireland, there is great relief that Gena has been released from captivity. I thank her for the incredible work she does. I think of her family, who went through such a torrid time, but I am really glad Gena is doing well. I send her my very best. The office of veterans' affairs is an important recommendation. It was included in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. We put it in our programme for Government. I have made it a priority that we get it up and running. We are consulting with the veteran associations to get it established as quickly as possible.”