Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have to say I support the idea that if governments are sufficiently decisive, equality can be brought much more to the fore. I thank Deputy Adams for his party's submission to the Minister. I am sure it has made a detailed analysis. I agree with what the Deputy had to say. The fact is that child abuse is not just a matter of history. Were we not reminded of that by the words of a justice in the court recently, in the context of an horrific case that occurred over a period of years in the last decade? It is because this is true that vigilance and information are so important.

The public consultation process that is starting now, along with the commission of investigation, will certainly be part of a national conversation about Ireland as a society, about its people and about what happened here. I do not want to pre-empt the detail of the final recommendations the Minister will bring before Government. In so far as he can - obviously, it is impossible to please every strand here - he will attempt to do his best and the Government will respond to that. I hope the conversation is broad, comprehensive, sensitive and understanding. I hope it takes account of the questions of equality and inequality. Equality was an issue for women in our country, in particular, because they did not have it over all those years. I hope the terms of reference given to the commission of investigation in this case will be comprehensive and sensitive to the thousands of people who have memories of being in mother and baby homes, who lost babies or children or who were involved in cases where adoption occurred. It is a sensitive discussion and one that needs to be treated seriously. I am sure the Minister will lead that discussion in an appropriate manner.

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