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

It has been very far-reaching. It was very much based on the independent review group, to be frank, which probably exceeded people's expectations in the clarity of its language. Although it is not a finding of fact, and the judge was clear on that, the conclusions are nonetheless very stark and shocking, as I said in the House. The objective of the exercise is to have findings of fact in respect of those issues raised by Women of Honour and the IRG through a statutory inquiry with due rigour. The terms of reference are broad, in line with the IRG recommendations but we have to have a focus, and this is part of the discussion I have had with Women of Honour, on a timely, effective and efficient inquiry. Terms of reference are a factor in that.

As regards transparency, the issue is around the public versus the commission approach. They are the two essential models for statutory inquiries in legislation at present. We have heard what Women of Honour and others have to say about that. There will be further discussions and we will come back with a final position on that and on the terms of reference.

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