Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to discuss this important subject and to concur with the sentiments expressed by all speakers. Everyone in the country should be engaged with this matter, having particular regard to the unfortunate occurrences of the past 50 or 60 years, many of which only came to light recently. The veil of secrecy and willing ignorance that used to permeate the question should not be an edifice of our evolving society.

I note and am surprised by the dearth of Government speakers. I would have expected more participation by Government Members in light of the fact that the Government has responsibility for this matter in the first instance.

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