Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I thank Deputy Quinn.

Sinn Féin supports the motion that will allow an extension of the specified period for the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse. We are conscious that the report that will be produced by the commission is on a subject whose complexities should not be taken lightly, or rushed. The difficulties of conducting such investigations are not underestimated by me or by my colleague Deputies. Although the commission has offered a forum for victims of abuse to recount their experience and avail of counselling through the health services, the report will not solve the issues arising out of abuse in this State, including the fact that many people who were abused during the decades of collusion between the State, the church and the Garda are not entitled to compensation under the residential institutions redress scheme.

Sinn Féin welcomed the recent High Court ruling that those who were abused in residential institutions up to the age of 21 will be entitled to seek redress. We believe, however, it is equally immoral that we are still witness to cases where people are excluded from redress schemes due to the location of their abuse, such as the case of Marie Therese O'Loughlin, who embarked on a hunger strike outside this building in order to have the Morning Star hostel added to the list of qualifying institutions under the Act. I wish to send good wishes from this House this evening to Marie Therese.

We call on the Government to take note of this, and to implement the long overdue robust scheme of child protection and prevention of child abuse, in order that such commissions will not be required in the future.

See this speech in context