James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The commission has enormous powers as is only proper and right. I welcome the Deputy's support for the social history element of the investigation because context is important. It is equally important that people have an opportunity to tell their story. Many of the stories I have heard have been particularly harrowing. It is important also they have the right to tell their story in public or in private and in confidence. This right will be respected by the commission.

The commission will proceed in tandem on both lines of work, the history being very important in this regard. This is a social history that will be like no other. This will be the first time a history has been collected with the power of a commission to compel witnesses and documents supporting it. Therefore, the investigation will not be depending upon the good offices or goodwill of people, but will have the power of the law and the commission behind it.

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