I want to support Senator Jillian van Turnhout's call for a debate on the Children First Bill, which, as she said, has been stalled on Committee Stage for some time. We supported that Bill when it was passing through this House and the Dáil on Second Stage. It is important it is completed because we need to have robust and fit-for-purpose systems and supports for victims of crime.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout raised the issue in the context of the Maria Cahill case, which is obviously now in the public domain. I wanted to take the opportunity to make a number of points in that regard. A Senator in this House asked me five minutes ago whether I would condemn what she perceived was a Sinn Féin cover-up of abuse. I resent that absolutely and completely. In fact, I find it offensive that anybody would believe that I or any member of my party would be involved in a cover-up of abuse.

If anybody has any information on an alleged cover-up-----

Deputy Gerry Adams might.

-----there is a responsibility-----

I thought the Senator was part of the new generation.

They are all the one now.

Order, please.

Members can heckle and politicise this issue if they like-----

He is just trotting out the line his leader gave.

I am entitled to make my contribution, with respect. I will make the point again that I find it offensive that people would allege that members of my party, including the leadership-----

Not just members.

-----that any member of Sinn Féin would be involved in a cover-up of abuse.

Does that include Deputy Gerry Adams?

The Senator's leader was involved in a cover-up.

If they have any proof, or if any individual has any proof, they should bring it to the relevant authorities.

We have. She is a woman and a real person called Maíria Cahill.

Senator David Cullinane to continue, without interruption. Does he have a question for the Deputy Leader?

I have, but I find it disgusting that there are people who would politicise an issue such as this. I will finish on this point because I think it is-----

On a point of order, every speaker to date in this debate has tried to stay away from politicising this, except the Senator.

That is not the case at all. Look at what the Senator's party leader has said.

Does the Senator have a question for the Deputy Leader?

My question is to the Deputy Leader of the House. Can she arrange for a debate on this because what that Bill does is to set out very clearly the limitations of public representatives in what they can and cannot do in instances like this. It also sets out the responsibilities, which are to give support to victims, to make sure they go to the proper authorities and that the systems in place are robust enough to be able to give those supports to victims, which is what the Bill is about.

Incredible.