Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Reports over recent days have once again reminded us of how religious and State institutions, and society failed women and children. The horrific revelations of the appalling treatment of thousands of babies and their mothers have not received the urgent attention of Government and State authorities that they warrant. The Government has confirmed the establishment of an interdepartmental initiative. I do not believe this goes far enough and neither does the Adoption Rights Alliance. It is an ad hocresponse to media reports although the Government received a report from Adoption Rights Now in July 2013. While, quite rightly, Tuam has received much attention in recent days, this report by Adoption Rights Now confirms this is a much wider issue. Between 300 and 500 babies are buried in Castlepollard. There are also Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea and Bessborough in Cork. Reading the report over recent days, I was horrified to learn about the brutal, barbaric and inhumane treatment of innocent babies and their mothers. Nothing short of a full apology from the Taoiseach and a full independent investigation are needed and deserved by these women and the families of these babies given what they were subjected to. We need to ensure the Garda Síochána and the forensic experts are involved in the investigation.

We must not forget about the living adopted who are in identity limbo. Unlike the anonymous dead, they have an opportunity to reconnect with their families. The Minister needs to put in place a parallel process to deal with both without any further delay.

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