Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

Today I speak on behalf of my mother and the many other women who went through mother and baby homes in the dark recesses of our past, a past which cannot be forgotten. Many women today live with that past and have to look to the future in order to get on with their lives.

Five years ago in this House, the then Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, made a promise to establish a memorial to the women of the Magdalen laundries. After five years, nothing has happened. As for the redress scheme, I note seven women have died without being compensated. Time is of critical importance as many women who went through mother and baby homes are growing older.

I understand a special event for Magdalen survivors will take place on 5 and 6 June in the Mansion House. One of the key recommendations from Mr. Justice Quirke in 2013 was that a gathering should take place. I ask the Minister to comment on whether the Government can contribute to or support the event.

The Justice for Magdalenes research group has expressed deep disappointment at the failure of the Government to contact survivors on its behalf. The research institute has asked the Department of Justice and Equality to contact survivors on its behalf in order to invite them to the event in the Mansion House because the Department is the only body which has all of the names. The 800 survivors will be able to discuss the best way to memorialise the past and deal with their future on 5 and 6 June.

One of the recommendations from survivors was that when a building in Sean McDermott Street is sold, some of the space should be used for public housing. It is a testament to the women who were brutalised by the church and State that their desired legacy is to leave something for the future for the many people who find they cannot get a home in the State today.

Is the Government supporting the event being held on 5 and 6 June? Can it contribute to or cover the costs for the many people who will attend? It is extremely important that it does so, given that in 2013 the then Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny, said he would actively memorialise the survivors of mother and baby homes. Nothing has happened, which is an insult to the women who have survived. I acknowledge there has been a redress scheme but certain people have not received any redress. A memorial is essential because this is a part of the past that cannot be wiped out and which we should address in more ways than one.

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