Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the witnesses for taking time out to attend this morning to share their stories, particularly the survivors. It is an honour and privilege to hear their testimony and I thank them for giving it to us. I am sure it is very painful having to go through all this again. I thank them most sincerely for their contributions. On a more general point, it is past time that the State took the blanket off this issue and shone a good bright light on what happened. Until such time as this happens and we lance this boil, we cannot move on and will continue to walk around in circles.

Either Ms Molloy, Ms Harney or Ms McDonnell Byrne can answer my next question. What would it mean to them to have total access to all records relating to them? How would that help them in terms of their healing? The next question is directed to Dr. Logue, and perhaps to Dr. O'Rourke as well.

If this Bill passes as it currently exists without any amendments, what will the net effect be in lay person's language? I have a brief question for Ms Crowe and Dr. Buckley. I am trying to think of what the motivation is for this Bill. Will they comment on what they feel is the motivation behind the introduction of this Bill?