Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

The Minister's presence in the House illustrates the commitment he and the Government have, and the commitment we all should have, to this very important Bill. I was struck by a letter in The Irish Times from a lady in Newport, County Tipperary published on 23 April. She wrote about being a second-generation survivor and that it is only through access to education that the cycle of poverty is broken. She wrote that she wants to provide her children with what she was denied, which is an education of choice. Deputy Donohoe is correct that none of us has any idea of the pain or the horrendous life of the survivors. We hear the term "survivors group"and it is great to have such an umbrella term but we are speaking about people. We are talking about our fellow citizens whose hearts thump and whose lives have been touched and changed. More important, they have come from the other side to illuminate and give us hope and inspiration. Everything we do must be to ensure these people's lives are enhanced and protected. I am very heartened by section 7 which states that the functions of the board will be based on the principles of equity, consistency and transparency. I agree with Deputy Donohoe that everything we do must be done not in order to exclude but to include.

While I do not want to be patronising, I am very heartened that this week under the Minister's watch the memorial committee met. That is not just about a memorial to the wrongdoing of our State and church, but also about the hope that the men and women who had to endure institutional abuse can find a better way and better life. I was touched to meet a number of the gentlemen on the plinth today, including people from my city of Cork and from Tipperary. They have lived such a life and are promoting an advocacy role to which we must all listen and I am very heartened that we will do that.

The Government is committed to the protection of children and all lives. I am Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, which is holding hearings on the draft heads of the children first Bill. I hope that a referendum on children's rights will be held this year. We need to listen carefully to the people who have come out of these institutions. I hate to use the term "survivors group" because it does not do them justice. These are citizens with rights and entitlements. Deputy Donohoe is correct in saying we should not exclude anybody if we can. I hope that those who have not come forward will do so.

Section 8 is very important in providing for the areas of counselling, health care, education, housing and other services for the victims of abuse. This cannot be a one-dimensional approach and needs to be a multifaceted approach across Departments and State agencies. While we are rightly very quick to condemn the church and the institutions, the State also failed people. The State has a duty of care and must live up to its responsibility. Our overriding concern as legislators and as citizens must be the protection and enhancement of the quality of life of the people. It is very important that the State listens and that the Government is not just committed in word but also in action.

I very much welcome that the Minister will pursue the 50:50 clause that has been inserted. In his reply I ask him to clarify of what it is 50:50. While 50:50 sounds great, it is important to spell out what it means in nuts and bolts. I have met some people I know in the religious orders. Some have been very clear in their intent, while others have obfuscated and been left to meander around, which should not be allowed anymore. I commend the Minister on his approach.

We are talking about fellow citizens of our country who were abused by our own people - that is the bottom line. The job of the State and church must be to take our responsibilities seriously. The Ryan, Murphy and Cloyne reports have revealed a legacy of abuse and an abdication of responsibility. The implementation must recognise the needs of the survivors and the responsibility of the State and the church. That is why we collectively must work with the Minister on this.

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