Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman for his summation of the situation. In the past few decades - even up to a few years ago - shame was, sadly, something that was associated with being a survivor.

This committee previously had a lot of protracted debate with Caranua, and that came across quite strongly from the survivors we met at that time. However, I really think that has changed. There is renewed dignity, but it is because of that recognition from the Government. I have to mention one person who did great work. I pay tribute to Enda Kenny. What he did at the time was so important and so heart-felt. I also have to mention Norah Casey and what she did in terms of bringing all the survivors together for that very memorable weekend, seeing women coming back to their capital city. They had left under a huge cloud and some of them had not been back. To see them owning their place, their city, was one of the most moving testaments I have ever seen to survivors. As the Cathaoirleach said, and so long after it should have happened, we have entered that new era of dignity, recognition and recompense.