Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Members who spoke and I welcome the unity of voice and purpose that exists in the House in respect of a shared desire to shine a light on what we have described as a dark chapter of our modern Irish history.

I thank the Members of the Opposition who responded positively to my invitation to meet me to discuss these matters today and I give a commitment that this approach will continue in the future, until such time as the commission of inquiry is established and authorised to commence its independent body of work.

We will have a longer debate this evening during Private Members' time on matters related to mother and baby homes. These are matters of some complexity and of great sensitivity, but we will not shy away from our responsibilities in this regard. We must face up to our past, but we must do so in a considered way. I intend to ensure that the interdepartmental group completes its work on schedule, before the end of June, so that we can progress the establishment of the commission of investigation. I look forward to continued engagement with colleagues from all sides of the House in this regard. I repeat my call to church leaders and churches to co-operate fully with the investigation that will take place shortly. The women who spent time in mother and baby homes and the children born to them will be to the forefront of our minds as we progress this issue with firm resolve and unity of purpose.

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