Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have all been left shocked by the further revelations that have taken place over the past number of weeks. When we are faced with the excavation of hundreds of infant remains from a tiny plot in Tuam, we are faced with a legacy that will echo in our consciences and the conscience of the State and our ancestors forever. Twelve months ago we proudly echoed and repeated the 1916 Proclamation point of treating children equally. The events of the past number of weeks have made it difficult to make sense of that. The religious institutions of the State did so well in areas such as education. My generation understands that they educated the poor and impoverished at a time when education was not as accessible as it is today. However, it is getting harder for the younger generation to have the same understanding when all they have heard over the past number of years about the church is stories of sexual immorality. Now they hear this.

Throughout a certain period, the church excelled in certain areas of society. However, when it came to protecting the most vulnerable and showing human compassion, it has been found badly wanting. I believe there is something different about the scenario we have seen over the past number of weeks. There is something different about hundreds of infants and babies - citizens of this State - being found in unmarked graves and septic tanks. This reverberates over all that has gone on before. We can no longer use the excuse that our ancestors were ignorant as to what was going on. They were part of society during this time. There was a certain truth in the Taoiseach's words when he said that no one was ever kidnapped but there is a duty on this generation to ask why. We need to explore fully all legacies. This means that placing the blame at the door of religious organisations is but one part of the redemption process.

In my county of Cork, there have been calls in recent days to excavate the grounds of the mother and baby home at Bessborough. I do not have an answer as to whether this should be done or not. However, if excavating bones such as in Tuam is a matter of giving the truth to those who seek it and have suffered so much, it needs to be seriously considered and all remains found given a decent Christian burial, as is right. That much they deserve.

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