Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ar dtús, ba mhaith liom comhghairdeachas a ghabháil leis na Teachtaí Dála a fuair Aireacht sóisearach inniu. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leo uilig. Feicfimid an tslí ina mbeidh siad ag dul ar aghaidh ó seo amach.

The State's policies towards women and children are being scrutinised by the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva. Committee members have been made aware of the results of a toxic political culture which existed in the State since its foundation and in which women and children were denied their rights. It is evident in the sorry saga of scandal which includes the Magdalen laundries, Bethany Home, the mother and baby homes, the illegal trafficking of children, child abuse in church and State institutions and the unequal status of women in the Constitution. The committee will hear other examples of dereliction of duty by the State towards its citizens, including members of the Traveller community and prisoners.

A 50 page report by victims of symphysiotomy will show how the State failed to protect more than 1,500 women who endured this barbaric practice and who still suffer physically and psychologically from its consequences decades later. The Government undertook to right this wrong so why did it ignore the call from survivors for the Statute of Limitations to be lifted to allow them the choice of going to court? Why did it produce a redress scheme which denies acknowledgement of the grievous wrong done to these women? Why provide only a minimalist financial package? Why deny the women an independent medical board and the right to advocacy? Yesterday and today the UN committee has asked why the State refuses to accept responsibility for the clear abuse of the rights of Irish women over decades. I put this question to the Taoiseach. Why does the State deny or refuse to accept responsibility for the clear abuse of these women over decades?

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