Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am mindful that we are going into recess and that it is important that the issue is dealt with before we break because it is an ongoing tragedy for the women involved. Everyone, including the Taoiseach, has acknowledged the barbaric nature of the butchery inflicted on these women citizens. There is a difference between a Government taking a decision and then meeting people to notify them of that decision and a Government consulting before taking a decision informed by those it has met. I strongly urge the Government to take the second course. Some of the women concerned will accept the redress scheme but others want to go to court. They should be able to make that decision. The Taoiseach met some of these women. They were in the Visitors Gallery on a number of occasions. When Fine Gael and the Labour Party were in opposition, they signed up to getting justice for these victims. I ask him to expedite this matter before the recess, to enter consultation with the women concerned or the groups representing them before the Government makes a decision and to give the women concerned a choice between a redress scheme and seeking justice through the courts.

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