The launch of the report was a landmark moment in Irish history, one which we must never forget because it shone a light on what was one of the darkest and most horrible periods. The women and children in mother and baby homes were treated like second-class citizens and they will bear the scars of their tortured past for the rest of their lives. I have no doubt about that. It was shocking and heartbreaking to hear that more than 9,000 babies died in these institutions. The church, the State and, to a lesser extent,…

There are more than 275,000 people in the Galway city and county region. Senator Crowe and I spoke about this issue a couple of weeks ago, following which we decided to raise this matter jointly. I am concerned about the towns along the Roscommon-Galway border such as Ballinasloe, which I am convinced is suffering because its town council was removed, but we are hoping to have reinstated. Other towns such as Ballygar, Glenamaddy, Dunmore, Williamstown and Newbridge will suffer if this merger goes ahead. It is the w…

I welcome the Minister of State's statement. It is quite consolatory in terms of reviews and allowing for more points to be made if we need to make them. The one region in Ireland that is underdeveloped, that needs to be developed and that would bring great hope to Ireland is the west. If we go through with a move like this in Galway, it will stifle proper community development centred in the county of Galway and Galway city. It is very important that we realise it is a very underdeveloped area. In my view - I disa…

We now have 90 minutes to deal with the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Amendment Bill 2020 on Committee Stage. Does any Member wish to speak on section 1? No.

We move now to section 2 and to amendment No. 1 in the name of Senator Ward. Acceptance of this amendment involves deletion of section 2 of the Bill. Can I ask the Senator to move his amendment?

I thank the Senator. He has opened up a very important debate with his contribution.

Lá breithe sona duit freisin, and I hope an Ceannaire has a nice enjoyable day and it will be possible for her to get some time to relax with her family this evening. Many important issues have been raised. I lend my support to all of them. I want to stay in my county now and raise an issue I have highlighted here before. This story may not be big news in Dublin or Meath, but it is a major issue for the people of County Roscommon. The Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, addressed this issue on behalf of the Minister…

It is important that we all pay tribute to the HSE, as we have done, and to the task force, the Covid-19 vaccination people and their teams. However, I want to spare a thought for people such as the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, and the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. I say that because I am sure it is not easy going to bed at night with this burden on their shoulders and then getting up the next morning not knowing what situation they will face. That is par…

That is the reality. People sometimes ask when they can have their vaccinations. I get that question every day, and several times a day, as does the Minister of State. Most Irish people have been fantastic. However, one or two people, whom I know have not been following the regulations, to be blunt about it, have asked me when they will get their vaccinations. I simply ask them when they are going to wash their hands, keep their distance and do what they are supposed to do. That is 50% of this debate and it is very…

I commend the Minister of State on her response.

First, she is persuasive.

Second, this is an important issue and I am sure Senators did not mind.

This is the first time I have contributed to this discussion today. I was not in the Chamber until now. What is happening here is very welcome but the discussion of the issues involved is very important. I agree with Senator Seery Kearney and other Senators regarding tightening up the area relating to harassment. It is well known that I went through this experience. I am thankful to the journalists who highlighted it. In the context of an issue that, unfortunately, arose with regard to eviction, people were clearly…

I thank the Cathaoirleach for accommodating me in respect of this matter, which in one way is not too far removed from the matter Senator Boylan has just discussed. I thank the Minister of State for being here to speak to the matter. I am sure he is aware at this stage that the closure of the Lanesborough and Shannonbridge power stations has been a huge blow. I accept that peat-burning stations are going, as this must happen for environmental reasons. I do not want to excite people too much but we could face power …

I very much welcome the comprehensive reply of the Minister of State, but in situations such as this, the Government will have to lead. I know the Government is very anxious that we rebuild the economy in the area. The Minister of State probably cannot give me a direct answer today but I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, about this issue and he has committed to come to the area and meet the people involved in Lanesborough and Shannonbridge. Obviously, that will not take place until the new year. This …

I concur with Senator McDowell on the vaccine. I am certainly willing to take it because I believe in Professor Luke O'Neill and Professor Sam McConkey. I have great faith in these people. Most of the time medical people are right, not all the time but they are the experts. I am more than willing to lead by example with the vaccines and I hope everybody else will do the same. I also want to raise the issue of Bus Éireann, as did Senator Garvey. I welcome the creation of new jobs and new routes. A short time ago, we…

Níl mé ábalta sign language a úsáid mar atá an Cathaoirleach agus an Aire Stáit ach b’fhéidir go mbeidh lá éigin. Is lá an-speisialta é seo, gan dabht. Gabhaim mo bhuíochas don Chathaoirleach. Rinne sé a lán oibre ar an issue seo agus bhí sé ag obair go crua ar son na ndaoine bodhra. He brought this legislation forward three times, and in so doing showed unbelievable perseverance, and he got it passed. It is great to hear the Minister of State's commitment today, and I want to compliment her on the way she has spok…

I will make my point rather quickly and not hold up the discussion. I have known since I met the Minister of State as an Oireachtas Member in 2016 that she is committed to change. I welcome the fact she is here and I know she will move things on as quickly as she can. I suppose we are always used to Senator McDowell being fluent and eloquent. I believe, however, the way he has expressed his opinion today is most important and easy to understand. He has expressed a strong view on where we are with mental health and …

My contribution will be quite short because many of my points have been made. I am glad there is a general welcome for many of the provisions in the Bill, particularly in the circumstances in which we find ourselves. I compliment the Minister, whom I have known for a long time, including through my radio work. She takes on board what people say to her. Any suggestions we have will certainly get a fair hearing. I know this from my experience in the entertainment sector in particular. People in that sector have asked…

Does Senator Gavan want to come back in?