Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Cathaoirleach referenced the UK, I acknowledge the great work of Liam Conlan, MP. I have met him in London and here as well. He is really driving this forward and I want to acknowledge that body of work.

In terms of Tuam, I want to acknowledge the great sensitivity that has been shown here and I compliment the work of Daniel MacSweeney, the director of authorised intervention in Tuam. I do not underestimate how difficult and challenging this is for families. The way families are being accommodated, the respect that will be shown and the whole process will culminate with a very sensitive reburial. I want to acknowledge all of that.

In terms of the mother and baby homes and the take-up of the scheme, to date there have been 6,500 applications and more than 4,000 have received awards. There is a significant amount of time left, until 2029, and it has been the experience in previous schemes that the greatest uptake happens to be in the last year or so.