Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I want to say how gratified I am to have an opportunity to discuss this matter in the House, and I express my deep concern over what happened to this unfortunate Roscommon family. Regardless of what side of the House one is on, child abuse is in a league of its own. It appals, disgusts and frustrates us, offending our very sense of humanity. It is significant that the normal human instinct is to nurture, care and love children. Children who are very vulnerable are entitled to expect from those among whom they should be most secure the greatest level of protection and support. We do not know all the facts in relation to this case. We know some. We know that these children have been in care since 2004. In my view it is important to establish the facts.

Sometimes we become obsessed with the route to establishing such facts. Like other Members, I am long enough in the House to remember the Kerry babies tribunal. I recall many Members of this House saying we would never have another tribunal. However, a couple of years pass, there is another controversy and suddenly we want a tribunal. To be fair, if we were to look back now on the matters that were the subject of two tribunals 12 years ago, we would seek a different way to try and establish the facts.

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