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

This can either be the beginning of the end or simply the beginning of a series of inquiries that will see survivors re-traumatised time and again in pursuit of the justice they have deserved for years or even, in the worst-case scenario, for decades. The process of sampling must be excluded from the terms of reference. It would be cruel for the voice of any survivor to be excluded on the basis of their abuse but considered as similar in category to that of another.

The language itself is problematic. It states the tribunal shall be entitled to exercise discretion to the extent of the evidence it hears. The tribunal cannot function without the full co-operation of all survivors and the terms of reference need to be clear on this point. Each individual who wishes to present to the tribunal has their own experience and story to tell. Neither the Government nor a tribunal has a right to deny their right to give evidence and to facilitate the giving of this evidence. The Tánaiste engaged extensively with survivors. What is apparent is that it seems he was not listening, at least not sufficiently to appreciate the glaring issues in the text presented before the Dáil today. This must be corrected.

I want to touch specifically on the members of the Air Corps exposed to hazardous chemicals. Many of them were children when this occurred. They required their parents' permission to enlist, parents who entrusted their care to the State and the State failed them. Having heard from survivors about the rates of cancer among their ranks and the deaths, this alone demands that the tribunal must be a breaking point with the past. It is not sufficient simply to consider whether the complaints process was sufficient. It was not. It is time for a statutory inquiry to examine the health impacts endured by these survivors and their families.

Through our amendments we reflect the concerns of the people whose efforts brought the Government to this point. We call on the Government to support the amendments, which will ensure the full support of the House and full public confidence in the tribunal. We know the Irish Defence Forces face many challenges. More members have left each year that the Government has been in office than have joined. We need strong Defence Forces. The first step in achieving this is ensuring the experiences of those who do join is very positive. Thanks to the work of Women of Honour and others, we know the unfortunate truth that this has not always been the case. This has to change. The tribunal, if done correctly, can be the start of this change. The Sinn Féin amendments are crucial to making it so. I commend them to the House and urge the Government to accept them.

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