Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

There has been so much debate and publicity on this sad period of history that one wonders how one can make any worthwhile or helpful contribution at this stage. On the other hand, I believe that everyone accepts that, until there is final closure on this issue for all concerned, it will continue to haunt us, especially the victims who are our primary concern.

I am especially disappointed by the direction the public debate has tended to take recently. I get the feeling that we are losing focus on who should be the subject of consideration on a day to day basis and are seeking other targets. This is not helpful to the victims because many of them are not young. They are pushing on in years and many of them have made the point that compensation is not their real concern. Obviously it is part of it, but their real concern is justice. Given the confusion created by the type of debate we are having at present, it is not possible in an urgent sense to bring together all the elements of this issue to try to find an adequate and satisfactory solution.

I was a member of the Committee on Education and Science when the proposals of the former Minister, Deputy Woods, were being debated. Many of the organisations acting for the victims came before the committee and discussed them openly and, in the main, generously with us. One man whom I know made a particular impression on me. Even though he put a harrowing tale before the committee, he finished up by saying that he would deem it wrong to tar everyone with the same brush and that to do so would visit a further injustice on innocent members of the religious orders. He did not want that to happen. It is especially important that we bear this in mind. While I accept that not all the groups are of the one voice and that there can be divergence on the way forward for some of them, I noticed in their contributions that, in the main, there was general acceptance of what the Government put forward at the time. They are the people to whom we must listen.

I took time out to meet some of these groups individually after that committee meeting because I felt it was important that we should listen a little more and lecture a little less, although lecturing appears to have been central to the public debate recently. As I watch television programmes, listen to radio programmes and read the extensive coverage in the press, I am beginning to realise that the people central to this issue are being sidelined in the main. I refer not just to the leadership but also the general body of victims who feel hurt and isolated. It is important for us at this stage to redirect ourselves in this regard.

I have not read or heard it but it was referred to on television and I was concerned to hear that a certain well known public person said that, if necessary, we should bankrupt the religious orders. That is of great concern. I see that as an incitement to hatred. For any person to make such a statement without clarifying it is for him or her to take a serious stand. It is an incitement to hatred and I hope it is clarified. It is not helpful.