Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I had a number of consultations with different groups last week on the overall issues. The Government has issued a very comprehensive statement on its approach to the mother and baby homes issue more generally. The Minister has received the report from the commission of inquiry. There is the idea of creating more than just an archival repository centre, but a centre that would tell the story of what happened, revealing dark chapters of our past in terms of not just mother and baby homes but the wider issues.

Despite what some are saying, it is very clear that the records would have been destroyed if the legislation that was passed two weeks ago had not been passed and vital records would have been made redundant, which would have been in nobody's interest. Therefore, it was important that the legislation was passed. That said, I accept consultation should happen. I will talk to the Minister about the consultation forum. The idea of consulting with as many groups as possible is one I will work with.

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