Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I was not planning to speak right now. I was going to wait until later but I could not let pass the Minister's statement that he will not accept any amendments. I do not know what that says for the democratic process that we are supposed to have here, but it certainly does not say much.

4 o’clock

Yesterday and last night, we had a five-hour debate in which Members on all sides of the House spoke from the heart. It is the first time I have witnessed anything like it. They spoke with passion and emotion on behalf of survivors. In addition, everybody has an individual experience of this, whether it is through family or friends. One thing the Minister can do is stop this right now and give it more time. That is within his power and remit, and it is not an unreasonable request. The clear message from everybody is that Tusla is not the appropriate organisation. Whatever people's opinions on it, that is what survivors are saying. They do not trust the organisation. They have had extremely negative experiences with the organisation and they do not want it involved. The other issue is that people clearly do not wish to have their records sealed.

It has been said on a number of occasions that this legislation has been rushed. We are in serious danger. I and my colleagues who have spoken on this will be on the right side of history. We will do our best, regardless of whether we will convince the Minister to accept the amendments. He has made his position clear. I hope he will reconsider, but we will vote the correct way. He is in danger of being on the wrong side of history, and of these women and children. I do not see why the commission cannot be asked to delay by three months while the correct legislation is brought forward to deal with sealing the records, Tusla and an appropriate organisation. It is not a big request. The commission asked for a number of extensions, so why is it not appropriate for us to ask for one extension so the right thing can be done?

See this speech in context