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

Some of the survivors of mother and baby homes who were outside the Dáil gates earlier this morning were in the Visitors Gallery for Leaders' Questions. I acknowledge their presence. We were supposed to have the terms of reference for the inquiry before the summer recess. We were then told we would see the terms of reference in September. We are still waiting as September draws to a close. I am sure the Tánaiste will appreciate and acknowledge the anxiety and expectation among survivors of mother and baby homes, the Bethany Home and other institutions across the length and breadth of the country. They are waiting to see the terms of reference to ensure they measure up, are fully inclusive and will facilitate the telling of the full story and the unearthing of the true facts about what happened to mothers and their young children in these institutions. When I was coming in here for Leaders' Questions, some of the survivors said they would like a minute's silence to be observed in the Dáil Chamber today in recognition of them. While I do not believe today would be the appropriate time for that, I want to reflect to the Tánaiste the anxiety of survivors as they await these terms of reference and the absolute need for full acknowledgement of the experience, trauma and violation of rights of these women and their children.

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