Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We all appreciate that recent weeks have been especially difficult for the survivors of the mother and baby homes and their families. It is certainly a matter of fact that the legislation was badly handled when it was dealt with in the Convention Centre. I appreciate that the Minister has acceded in respect of this point. It is probably regrettable that we did not have the subsequent advice from the Attorney General's office and, indeed, the Minister's statement on foot of that advice a week earlier because it would have been hugely helpful and informative.

We must acknowledge the importance of the work of the commission. It is truly vital that we deliver on what is a hugely important piece of historical work. That process, however, will count for nothing if, on publication of the report, the survivors cannot access the records so many of them desperately seek and absolutely deserve to access. Between now and the publication of the report, the survivors and their wishes must be front and centre. I am glad to hear the Minister acknowledge that today. It is vital that the survivors be engaged with and I appreciate that the Minister has already done significant work in that regard over the past week.

GDPR and other technical and legal terms can often cloud the process. We need, however, to see a clear road map put in place which will allow the survivors the knowledge that they have absolute certainty as to how and when they will be able to access their information. Anything less and the hurt of decades that justifiably manifested itself so forcefully in recent weeks will fester further.

Since the legislation was introduced almost two weeks ago, I have met with a number of the survivors locally. They are hurt and angry, and rightly so. As I said, I acknowledge that the Minister has had significant consultation with the survivors in recent days. I know this will doubtlessly positively inform his decisions and actions in the months ahead. We must look to the families and the survivors but, more importantly, we must look to those relationships. We need to ensure a framework is put in place that will assure the survivors, their families and siblings have full access to their records prior to publication of the report.

Everybody in the room can appreciate the quickest lesson one learns in politics is that one makes mistakes and makes them often. We must acknowledge the Minister's admission of infallibility over recent weeks. It speaks volumes to him as an individual but also to his capacity as a legislator and it reinforces my belief in him that he will get this right. I appreciate that he has an extensive brief and programme of works. What I really want from the Minister today is an assurance that there will be full and absolute disclosure for the survivors of the mother and baby homes and that this is foremost in the minds of not only the Minister but also the Department and his fellow members of Government.