Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I am glad to have an opportunity to say a few words on this important legislation. Senator Feeney summed up the outcome we all seek when she stated in her final remarks that we must try to ensure the victims find solace, healing and vindication to allow them, in as far as possible, to move on with their lives following their difficult experiences. Unfortunately, the legislation we put in place, the work done by the commission of inquiry or the compensation and redress that is made available will not answer all the questions for those affected. Tragically and for far too long in this State young children and young adults suffered enormously at the hands of people who had power and authority over them. While we can inquire and try to provide redress, we can never solve all the problems.

When I was first elected to the Houses in 1987, no one would have envisaged that this type of legislation would be required. Even as late as the 1980s, we had not yet realised or had our eyes opened to the type of abuse which had been perpetrated in State-run institutions and educational establishments. It was not until the mid-1990s that the curtains finally opened and the public was given a clear picture of what had gone wrong. In a sad but necessary development various inquiries, reports, commissions and legislation are now being put in place. While I commend the Minister on introducing this amending legislation, it is a great tragedy for all of us, particularly those directly affected, that it did not happen 20 or 30 years ago.

The Bill amends legislation passed some time ago. The House has already introduced Bills to establish the inquiry into child abuse, the redress board and a financial support mechanism. Members are now advised that this legislation is necessary and will improve the system of inquiry and redress. This is not a party political issue; every party bears some responsibility for the tragedy so many children endured.

Ireland is not unique in this. Children's lives, as recently as ten years ago, were looked upon differently from today. That is no excuse but there were different standards. There was no accountability and politicians were unwilling to inquire. Senator Feeney mentioned that questions were asked but the answer was not to inquire because it was too tricky a political situation. On the basis that none of us made sufficient inquiries, we are all responsible. We are trying to right wrongs and while it is not possible to correct fully all of those wrongs, we must do as much as we can to resolve the situation faced by so many people.

I am interested in the change of emphasis of the investigation committee — I genuinely hope it will work. There may be difficulties with the fact that not everyone will be questioned by the investigation committee and I note that people who are less able for adversarial hearings will not be subject to strong cross-examination. That is welcome but those who wish to tell their story should be facilitated as far as possible. Mr. Justice Ryan, who has given this some thought, made this recommendation.

The redress board is to be changed. People have come to me about their ongoing correspondence with the board. Although they are being dealt with in a sensitive and fair fashion, their complaint relates to the time taken for the processing of cases. A lot of work must be done before a case can be concluded but if additional resources and staff are needed, the Minister should consider them. As politicians, however, we hear from those who have problems, not from those whose cases have been resolved satisfactorily. The main concern of those who have contacted me is the timescale for their cases. I hope that the legislation before us will be the final piece of the jigsaw that will provide the solace so many abused people require.

We must reflect on the resignation of Ms Justice Laffoy. Senator Ryan mentioned that her record was not recognised in the Minister's speech or during the debate in the Dáil. Ms Justice Laffoy had problems with the way in which matters were being addressed and the responses from Departments. I hope that those issues have been taken seriously by the Government and no such further difficulties will be experienced.

We owe it to those people who have suffered and endured pain and a lifetime of misery as a result of their experiences to right the injustice done to them by putting in place a proper scheme of assistance and compensation.