Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I commend Senator Zappone on her fine contribution and second her call for a debate on the forthcoming marriage equality referendum. Many Senators were involved in the constitutional convention and have much to contribute to the debate.
I welcome yesterday's announcement by the Minister, Deputy Reilly, of the ex gratiascheme for those women who underwent symphysiotomies. I have raised this issue continually since entering the House. There has not been a week that I have not called for the Walsh or Murphy report. I am delighted that they were published yesterday. Payments under the scheme will range from €50,000 to €150,000. The procedure that those women underwent during childbirth was cruel and barbaric. Many underwent it in my local hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes, in County Louth. The practice was continued until 1984. I have dealt with many fine women in recent years who never gave up. They constantly sought answers and pressed for what happened yesterday. It was a long time coming. I pay tribute to the unwavering courage and determination of the survivors and I am delighted that their day eventually came. Dealing with this issue formed part of the programme for Government.