Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste and I us agree on the historical aspect. My question is about how the State in some way tries to compensate a little bit for some of the awful experiences of those children in its care. I looked at the review clause in the legislation and I am not sure there is actually a possibility to extend it. However, section 49 states that the Minister, in considering whether an institution shall be inserted, because the Minister has that power, shall have regard to the circumstances experienced by persons resident in an institution and whether these were comparable to those experienced by persons resident in institutions specified in the current legislation. There is a tiny opening there for a Minister to look at in the future. While I understand this would be a significant expansion of the scheme, in view of the fact that it is now seen as a just and good course of action, I am asking the Tánaiste just to look at that. I am not asking him to make commitments on the floor of the House today, just to confirm that he will not close the door on this.

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