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

Is that okay for the Deputy? Very good. I thank the Minster very much for being with us and for all of the engagement. As I have said a few times regarding this Bill, it just shows the importance of the prelegislative scrutiny process. We have had a great number of hearings and I echo what others have said about the power of the coroner. That point has come through strongly in our discussions.

We hope to have our report completed shortly and we would then appeal to the Minister to examine it and take on board any suggestions and possible amendments from the committee. They will have come forward on the back of expert testimony and the people we have heard from. When we invite groups to appear before the committee it is important we really listen to what they have to say and try to change the legislation in that regard and not have people in merely to tick a box and for nothing to happen with respect to what they have told us. That is really important.

The next process regarding the adoption and tracing information will also involve a great deal of work, but we are all very much looking forward to playing our role in that to ensure, finally, after so many years there will be justice in various forms, hopefully, for survivors of the institutional mother and baby homes.

I thank the Minister again and also Ms Dara Breathnach who is with him today. I thank all the members for their co-operation. I need to get their agreement to publish the Minister's opening statement to the Oireachtas website. Is that agreed? Agreed.