Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is a passion on the part of the committee to do the right thing by survivors. We all have different political backgrounds but we are all united on it. We want to do everything in our power to ensure that, finally, there will be some justice, and that is where some of the questions are coming from. We were very disappointed, to say the least, when the commission did not accept our invitation because we felt there were genuine questions to be asked, including about the extension of the timeline. Part of the hurt and the anger about the report was because people had waited for so long, and when it was finally published, it was underwhelming, which is the most respectful language I can think of to describe it.

Whatever we have to do has to be done. This generation of politicians has to be the one to finally get justice and closure. During this Oireachtas term and previous ones, there have been so many sympathetic and emotional speeches, and everyone is very sorry, but people want action. Part of that relates to questions about the report was handled and how it reached it conclusions, such as the finding that there had been no forced adoptions when, clearly, testimony indicated that there had been.

Other issues include action on access to records, redress, medical cards and counselling. That type of action would be important but serious questions about how the report was conducted cannot be dismissed. One of the suggestions made earlier is that this commission be extended. Perhaps in two weeks, it will be found that there was no need for that but this action should be taken now so that if there is a need for it, that mechanism is there for people to use if they want to take cases or do any follow up. There should be a body there for them so that they are not left without an entity. That mistake could be made if it is not extended. I understand some of the arguments against extending something indefinitely or the potential for people to resign but that needs to be looked at as an option. Regarding all of the other action points on which people have been waiting, unfortunately, many people have passed away without getting any sort of justice, access to their records or information about what happened to their children. The committee will not be found wanting. I am very proud of the committee because we have been so united on this issue and want to do everything we can to help. We want to work with the Minister, which is why those questions are coming forward. We understand that he is not the commission but our frustration comes from the fact that we could not have the commission appear before us and that it would not come forward. We are appealing to the Minister to do everything in his power and one element of that is to seriously consider extending the commission.