Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Tá fadhb agam leis an moladh sin.

In the context of all the discussion we have seen in the media and in homes throughout Ireland, the two hours devoted to the discussion of the finding of babies' bones in Tuam is completely inadequate. It is not going to give Deputies in this House either an opportunity or time to find out the stories of the different institutions in their own constituencies. These institutions were spread all over Ireland. If the debate were postponed or took place in two parts, it might be a better arrangement. I am speaking probably as one of the few people in this Chamber and down the years in the Dáil with a direct connection to these events.

I find deeply upsetting some of the language being used in this House relating to people who were in mother and baby homes. I did not like the Taoiseach yesterday using the term "sub-species" in regard to people. I understand the context in which he used it. I do not like a Deputy over there talking about headage payments being paid in respect of our children to go to America. I am sure the Deputy did not mean any hurt by it but could we just stand back from this? I have had people on the phone to me and people I have known all my life who were in institutions. People are running away with themselves in allowing political points-scoring. We need to have a large dose of compassion with this.

I am not disagreeing with some of the arguments from the Deputies. Without a doubt, the very authoritarian Catholic Church must take the vast amount of responsibility. I have pursued in this House, as have others in the Labour Party, the fact that the church should pay the money it agreed in the nefarious deal made by the then Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, along with the former Minister, Dr. Michael Woods.

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