Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Our only purpose in raising these questions is that we want to get this absolutely right. I welcomed the proposal to establish a tribunal of inquiry to investigate the allegations highlighted by the Women of Honour group.

It should be noted that we would not be having a tribunal of inquiry or any form of inquiry were it not for the Women of Honour bringing their stories into the public, telling their own personal stories in some instances, and highlighting them in a way that was very stark and demanded a public response. I have to say that it would be inconceivable if the Tánaiste were to bring a proposal to Government that did not have the full endorsement of that group. Therefore, I welcome the fact that he is meeting them on Thursday. I have met with them myself. I have found the Women of Honour to be very reasonable and straightforward in terms of what they want at the end of the day. I appeal to the Tánaiste to ensure that when he sits down on Thursday with the Women of Honour, he will not get up until an agreement is reached so that when he brings a proposal to Government, it is something that everyone in this House and in the public can support.

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