Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government wants to make it clear that it has decided to hold an inquiry by way of a commission of investigation into these matters. As I stated, the range of issues and facts that need to be determined is very extensive. Encompassed is a very broad range of societal issues. Therefore, it is only right and proper that we attempt to deal with this as thoroughly, fully and appropriately as possible.

Deputy Adams has mentioned Bethany Home in the House on quite a number of occasions. Archbishop Jackson has written to me today about this matter. The question being examined was whether Bethany Home should be considered as part of the investigation and analysis of the Magdalen laundries. Bethany Home was clearly not a laundry. It is now one of a significant number of mother and baby homes that must be investigated.

I have heard varying estimates as to the number of graveyards and cemeteries around the country. In every county, there are unmarked graves where children were buried. Some were from the Famine times and some may include children who came from mother and baby homes. The analysis of the records, burial procedures and burial grounds, whether consecrated or not, must be focused on also. In my part of the country, up until just a few years ago, unconsecrated ground was where children born out of wedlock were buried. They were treated as a different species entirely. It was not until the 1980s that the concept of illegitimacy was abolished.

These are valuable contributions that Members make. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs will lead on this matter on behalf of the Government and, as I stated, will consult broadly the public, all the relevant groups and, of course, elected Members in order to get this as right as possible.

It is very hard to put a fix on the conclusion of the process. The big message is that the Government is obviously concerned with the implications and has decided to have a formal inquiry or commission of investigation. My hope is that Members of the House, the various parties and Independent groups can all work together to try to deal with this matter, which is another episode from our not-so-glorious past.

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