Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

When Shakespeare's Hamlet remarked that there was "something rotten in the state of Denmark" he could well have been talking about several institutions in this country, including the Catholic Church, banking and education, which have let people down horrendously. This Bill should never have been required in a so-called Christian and civilised country. The abusive treatment of children in institutions represents one of the darkest periods in our history. It is difficult to find words adequate to describe the pain, horror, grief and incomprehension experienced by children over many years. The natural order is for children to trust that adults will protect and support them. Instead, these young people suffered physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. They were starved of love and affection, sometimes physically starved, deprived of their right to education, sexually assaulted, beaten and used as slave labour. Families were torn apart, with people often never seeing their children, siblings or parents again.

Those who survived these institutions continue to live with the trauma and are scarred in many ways by their experience. Of course there are some who managed to move on and are leading fulfilling lives, but many others are barely coping. Some have ended up homeless, for example, or have turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with their pain. Some have become abusive themselves in their own relationships, have accrued massive debts or have even chosen to end their lives. However, the pain does not stop with those who directly experienced abuse. In the north inner city we are seeing the impact on the next generation, with the children of abused survivors equally turning to drugs, alcohol and suicide.

Reading the Cloyne and other reports, it is understandable that those who were abused might wish for all priests, nuns and religious brothers to be wiped off the face of the earth. However, it is important to acknowledge the good work done by people in religious life, both in this country and abroad. One need only consider the activities of Br. Kevin Crowley and Fr. Peter McVerry in looking after the homeless in this city or Sr. Concilio's work with those battling addiction. As someone who was taught by a religious order and has worked with members of religious orders, I find it difficult to comprehend how some of their number will not accept and acknowledge what was done in the past by their congregations and that instead of doing what is right by those who suffered horribly, they are hiding behind loopholes and legal jargon.

The redress board was set up with good intentions to make fair and reasonable awards to persons who were abused as children in residential institutions. The list of institutions is extensive, but we must acknowledge that not all residents were abused and that there were some who experienced kindness and support. Nevertheless, the board's findings have been very disturbing, with revelations that young children were put into these institutions for the most flimsy of reasons such as being born out of marriage, being orphaned or having missed school. Also disturbing is the amount paid to legal firms for their services to the board. I am not questioning the need for legal expertise, but the amounts involved are staggering, with some firms earning millions from their work. Equally, without taking from their work, a daily rate of €800 for board members is mind-boggling.

The word "redress" means to remedy or rectify a wrong and grievance; to readjust or set straight; to make reparation; or to restore equality. No legislation, no system and no amount of money can do all of that. I wonder whether we can ever remedy, rectify, readjust or set straight the harm done to these people. Can we as a society ever make adequate reparation for the wrong done? Applying to the redress board means opening up painful wounds and, for some, this has been a positive process. For others, however, the ordeal is too much. I have met survivors whose pain is being exacerbated by the media coverage. I was particularly saddened on meeting a man who was horrifically abused and whose only escape or relief is watching television. The coverage of the various abuse scandals brought everything back to him and I am sure the latest reports are once again depriving him of his only means of escape.

In 2005, the Government, in response to calls from groups representing victims of institutional abuse, extended the deadline for the receipt of applications for compensation. The proposal in this Bill to set a new deadline is supported by some of these groups. However, it is somewhat disquieting that a time limit for compensation is being imposed given that there is no time limit on the pain and suffering of victims. People cope in different ways and need varying lengths of time to deal with their grief and pain. Some have been slow to come forward as a result of personal problems or a lack of awareness that the institution in which they resided is included or that the board's remit extends beyond the consideration of those who suffered sexual abuse.

The Kennedy report was published in 1970, but some of the institutions dealt with it in that report continued in operation until 1990. It is horrifying to realise that people continued to suffer long after the suffering should have been brought to an end. The Cloyne report makes the same point, that procedures were in place but were not used, with the result that more people suffered needlessly.

Another disturbing aspect of this issue is the extent of the contribution from the religious orders. The question of the inclusion of the Bethany institution must also be dealt with to the satisfaction of those who resided there. The proposals regarding the residential institution statutory fund are a cause for concern.

See this speech in context