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

I am sure the Taoiseach is aware the Government's survivor consultation, which was extensive, reported there were numerous and many harms and human rights violations identified in respect of which reparation is needed. However, the consultation recorded the primary harm was the loss of the mother-child bond and the relationship. The primary damage was done by separation, yet, in an arbitrary way, the Government has decided those who were separated from their mother, if they happened to be in an institution for less than six months, are not to be covered by this redress scheme. I put it to the Taoiseach that this is actually cruel. The Government does not have to do this. If I were sitting where the Taoiseach is, I certainly would not do this for the very simple reason that it is wrong. God knows over the years we have heard testimony and heartbreak aplenty from families who were devastated by this experience. I again ask the Taoiseach to intervene in respect of this matter and to drop this arbitrary and cruel rule.

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