I listened to Dr. Geoffrey Shannon earlier talk about the findings in his report, which are devastating. The entire country is impacted by what we heard. While the report as a whole is harrowing, I was particularly struck by the clear focus on alcohol abuse in Ireland and how it impacts on child welfare. It is time that we started to talk about it.

It states that in a significant number of the 90 cases reviewed as part of the audit, it was evident that drug and-or alcohol abuse by parents was compromising their ability to care for their child. In one instance a one-year old child was found wandering alone in a housing estate because its mother was under the influence of alcohol. Cases like this cannot continue to happen in our communities.

Dr. Shannon was clear on "Morning Ireland" in his pleas for us to wake up to the harm alcohol abuse is causing. He said that the biggest challenge facing society is the adverse consequences for the welfare of many children posed by alcohol. Drug and alcohol abuse are a key feature of the report and have a very damaging effect on children. Society's failure to address alcohol is a fundamental issue and places insurmountable problems on the child protection system. It is not just about Tusla or the Garda; it is about society and our ambivalence to alcohol and substance misuse.

Sadly, this is no surprise to me as I have worked with people suffering from alcohol abuse and addiction for many years. I work with their families and deal with this on a daily basis. The onus is on the State to step up and take responsibility, and we, as legislators, must make that happen. However, since it was first introduced, the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill has languished in the Oireachtas for over 500 days. This is despite repeated Government commitments that it would take action on the issue. The Bill contains sensible, evidence-based, workable measures to reduce alcohol harm and the Government must proceed with it as a matter of urgency. Dr. Shannon's report only emphasises this further. When will the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill be reintroduced in this Chamber so that we can get on with our work tackling this serious issue? For every one day that we let this go, three people die and our organisation is dealing with the family members. Something has to be done and we need to do it quickly.

I acknowledge the decision made on the national maternity hospital and I hope it proceeds with all speed. It is a badly needed hospital. The building on Holles Street is very old and not fit for purpose. I would like to see the new national maternity hospital built as soon as possible. I acknowledge the work the public did in highlighting the role of the religious orders. I compliment the Sisters of Charity on making what I believe is the right decision in withdrawing from it. I also acknowledge the work the Minister, Deputy Harris, has done behind the scenes. Too often we stand here and criticise people but do not acknowledge when good work is done behind the scenes.

I also acknowledge the strategy of the all-party Committee on the Future of Healthcare, published this morning. Deputy Shortall and the committee members have done an excellent job on which I compliment them.

IMPACT published a document on a just transition to a low-carbon economy, which is a very worthy report. We should at the earliest possible time debate the overall effect of moving to a low-carbon economy. As with all things, there will be winners and losers and it is important that there be a just transition. That just transition cannot just be in Ireland; it needs to happen on a global basis. It would be worthwhile debating it in a wider sense.

I welcome that the new accident and emergency department in University Hospital Limerick opened at 8 a.m. yesterday. It was wonderful to see the new facilities there. I know the staff had a very busy day yesterday. Earlier in the week some of the more senior staff expressed concerns over whether some of the new staff appointed would be able to cope under the pressure of the opening with increased numbers coming through the doors. I welcome that the hospital committed to appointing a clinical skills facilitator who will ensure that enough senior staff are working with the more junior and newly qualified staff. This is to be welcomed on health and safety grounds. Those of us in Limerick and the wider region have waited a long time for this. I know the problems will not be solved overnight. I wish the existing and new staff the very best for the future.