Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Deputy will acknowledge, as the House and some of those who were victims of abuse in the laundries did, the commitment of the Government to redress what has happened. I have been in this House for well over 30 years and it was an historic occasion for me to hear the Taoiseach of the country stand up just beside where I am now and apologise to those people, many of whom were in the Gallery with other representatives. After many years of the issue being postponed and put on the long finger, this Government came forward and owned up to what was done, providing redress to the people who were unfortunately abused.

The institutions are being established and funding is being made available. The Minister for Education and Skills is anxious that the residential institutions statutory fund be put into operation at the earliest opportunity, and to date contributions of €71 million have been lodged in a special investment account in the National Treasury Management Agency. The Minister is continuing to pursue the realisation of the remaining cash contribution pledge by the religious congregations, so every effort is being made in this regard. Although it took a long time, elements are being put in place correctly and criteria must be established. We are working on this matter continuously and I assure the Deputy and House that there will be no undue delay in implementation. The commitment has been given to this House, the country as a whole and to the victims by the Taoiseach.

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