Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

However, the oversight body is not the only part of the Government's response about which the Women of Honour group has raised concerns, both publicly and with me directly. The group has expressed its disappointment that the Tánaiste and the Department are seeking to design draft terms of reference without any consultations with it and the group feels the Government seeks to railroad through it and others, without any courtesy or respect. The group has rightly called for a full and rigorous statutory inquiry and, crucially, the group should have a meaningful role in determining those terms of reference. Consultation is key with regard to these things. We know that. We have seen it go badly wrong without such consultation. To date, the group has been sceptical of the process.

These women, who have exhibited such bravery and determination, were left disappointed after meeting with the Minister and the Department. On that basis alone, the Minister needs to do things differently. I can only hope that he is listening to them and that he is developing a new approach.

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