Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators for their co-operation and commitment to the work of the commission. Senator Henry used the word "delicate". This is a very sensitive issue. We all want to do as much as is possible for the survivors and to ensure that the processes we introduce are speedy, efficient and get the desired results for them. In my work I am very fortunate in having the support of a tremendous group of officials as has been recognised by the Senators. They are dedicated to their work and give it considerable time and commitment, which is not always easy when dealing with such a sensitive matter.

Any difficulties that may have arisen in the past did not arise out of any maliciousness or bad faith on the part of anybody. Nobody could have anticipated the number of applications that were made. The whole country was surprised and officials were overwhelmed by the way applications were made so quickly, which gave rise to considerable documentation. We must remember that they needed to find relevant documentation going back over 40, 50 or even 60 years. In so far as information was not provided quickly it was because of an inability to do so in the timeframe provided. Everybody worked in good faith. We are now making progress building on the apology made in 1999.

I have been very fortunate in working with Mr. Justice Ryan and also with Mr. Justice O'Leary on the Residential Institutions Redress Board, both of whom have given great commitment to the process. With the passage of this legislation I hope that we can be satisfied that we are doing our bit as legislators to redress some of the wrong inflicted on people on the watch of previous administrations in an earlier generation.