Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It was reported the Catholic Church Primate has not yet met the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, to discuss the church's financial contribution to the mother and baby home redress scheme. Needless to say, this is very disappointing; it is alarming actually. The Taoiseach did not indicate whether he has had this discussion with the religious leaders. What progress has the Minister made in his discussions with the Church of Ireland on these matters? Has he formally requested a meeting with Archbishop Eamon Martin to discuss these matters? It is important to say, although this is known, religious orders require the approval of local bishops to open any of these homes. We know from testimony and State records that the Catholic church and the Church of Ireland were deeply involved in the operation of these institutions, all under the watchful eye of the State. Will the Taoiseach shed some light on this? On the issue of the redress scheme itself, I appeal to the Taoiseach on behalf of children who were boarded out and who experienced heartbreaking exploitation, neglect and abuse in the families and communities in which they were placed. The Government cannot proceed with any redress scheme that excludes these victims.

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