In this current cost-of-living crisis, all decisions should be made with the needs of vulnerable people at heart. Just over a month ago today, a brave family from County Sligo waived their right to anonymity. This family won their court case against their father, who sexually abused five of his children when they were between the ages of three and 17. The Central Criminal Court heard harrowing evidence of abuse and neglect, including times when the children were left hungry and locked in a room to drink their own urine. These siblings included Jessica, Christopher, Amanda and Helen Farrell, who had to suffer the abuse in silence and in shame and were let down repeatedly by the agencies of the State. Just over a month ago they finally received some level of justice for the abuse they endured as children at the hands of their father. I commend the bravery and courage of these siblings, and their families, who were judged and looked down on for years. None of this was their fault but as children, and as adults, they were forced to live a life filled with shame and confusion. I raise this matter today as we see so many people at the moment are struggling to exist, let alone live.

It is essential that we as a State continue to invest properly in front-line public services, such as gardaí, teachers, SNAs, youth workers, social care workers and social workers. Properly resourcing social services like these meant that when these siblings were ready to come forward as adults the services were there for them, were available and were ready to listen, because they had been properly trained and resourced.

As we all know, unfortunately times were not always like this and the family was forced to live through an era when a blind eye was turned. Times have certainly changed for the better but these improvements need to continue and can never be seen as an afterthought. Youth and community services need multi-annual funding and not to always be fighting for crumbs from the table. It is through environments such as youth centres, community centre and family resource centres, and work with SNAs that children and families are supported to come forward and make disclosures of abuse.

A month on, I thank the Farrell family for their bravery and courage. I know from speaking to residents in the constituency I am in that their bravery in speaking out has encouraged, and will continue to encourage and inspire, other children and adults who were victims of abuse to come forward. Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.