Today, Jennifer Bray of The Irish Times reported, and the Minister for Health has announced, the so-called independent chair of the review into the State's abortion laws. Ms Bray's article states that all of this is following a tender process. She does not say, and I do not understand why, that it is not the open tender process to which the Minister and his officials committed last December. This is because, as the Minister revealed last week, a small number of people were contacted and invited to express interest in the role of independent chair. I do not know the person who has been appointed and I wish her well. Her name is Ms Marie O'Shea and she has an important job to do now. It is vital to look at this legislation through the lens of how it has impacted on women's welfare but, equally, how it has impacted on the welfare of unborn children from the point of view of cruelty issues and minimising of abortion rates, all of which should remain desirable objectives in any country that would want to call itself civilised. I have to say the opaque nature of the process that led to Ms O'Shea's appointment does not inspire confidence. There is ground be made up here.

In far happier news, I would like to welcome-----

Senator, in relation to some of your remarks, you named the individual-----

Appropriately.

Some of your remarks-----

I did not criticise anybody, other than the Department and the Minister.

Calling the person and her independence into question would not be appropriate.

I have not done so. I have said the process does not inspire confidence.

That is perfectly-----

All I am saying is that many people are watching.

That is absolutely fine, Senator. The independence of the chair of the review is the issue.

That is understood.

I draw attention to some happier news and welcome the announcement that my home village of Ahascragh is to get a €3 million wastewater upgrade project. This is needed to end the discharge of inadequately treated wastewater into the Bunowen river. It is hard to imagine, but this will stop the equivalent of more than 300 wheelie bins of inadequately treated wastewater from going into the river every day. I am delighted, by the way, that Coffey Water limited, a company with roots in our parish, will be delivering these works on behalf of Irish Water and Galway County Council.

I would like to say again that it is a disgrace in this day and age that any inadequately treated wastewater is being deposited into any river in the country. Ireland has a remarkably low population compared with most countries and our historical population levels. We are a small country, but we have a low population. We are also a rich country. There is no excuse for the despoliation of our environment in this way. I would like more of this and quicker, please.