Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Although it is true to say that there was a culture in this State and beyond of not reporting child abuse, which occurred most commonly in the family home, the State has a much deeper legacy of institutional abuse and of failing to protect children. It also has a history of confiscating children. This is a part of the psychological landscape of how many people view the State and its incapacity to protect our children. We must acknowledge this, not play up to it. Many people judge this turn of events against that backdrop.

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