Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

If the services prescribed in section 8 of the Bill do not meet the needs of those coming to the new organisation, or a significant minority of them, we should stand up and admit it and be willing to change the contents of the Bill. We should acknowledge their lives have been seared and damaged enough already. We should do all we can to be as imaginative and creative as possible to meet the needs they articulate.

I had a discussion with members of a family seared by this issue and they are aware of the services being provided in the Bill. They told me they understand how the redress procedure worked, that they were able to access some help from the State but that what is provided for in the Bill does not meet their needs. I struggle to understand why, given how their lives have already been touched by this horror, we should refuse a request they make. I read what the Minister stated on Second Stage and the Government has put much effort into examining all of the views of people who have come in. It is very difficult to achieve consensus on any issue let alone one that is so unbelievably difficult for the families concerned. With regard to section 8 of the Bill I urge the new organisation to be constantly vigilant in its administration.

I acknowledge the work done by the Department, the Minister and his predecessors in grappling with a truly horrific issue and the progress the Bill represents. None of us should state we have done our best and our best is enough. We must always be open to the views of those touched by this and do all we can to ensure the services we provide to them meet their diverse and unmet needs. I thank the Minister for being in the House and for acknowledging the strong feelings and interest articulated by everybody on this point. However, I also wish to register my unease. After everything that has gone on and a very extensive redress procedure, I do not want to find the needs of anyone touched by this horror to remain unmet. Constant vigilance on this point is very important and is due to the people involved.

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