Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I commend them on their persistence in ensuring the story was told, heard and, most importantly for the victims, that it was believed. Without them, this report would not have been possible nor could we have ever hoped to learn from the mistakes of the past. Their bravery and determination is a lasting tribute to those former residents who are no longer with us and whom we should remember at this time.

Today, above all other days, we must be humbled and contrite for the wrongs that have been inflicted on innocent lives. The American author, James Baldwin, once said, "Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed unless it is faced". We have now faced the reality that thousands of young people lived in a regime that was harsh, severe and abusive. There is no denying it-----

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