Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I join other Senators in expressing my dismay about the recent report. It is clear that our children have been done a great disservice by the State. It is something of which many of us would have been aware from our school days. We witnessed institutionalised criminal activity taking place in many of our institutions and there was a policy at the time of "spare the rod and spoil the child". We must learn from this report.

I refer to Senator Cannon's statement to the effect that many children to this day are not getting the support they need. The report is harrowing in its account of the past victims of these institutions but let us not forget the children of today who are suffering in schools and institutions. We must ensure we put the necessary resources in place as soon as possible because many of them will try to contact with helplines and we must ensure their voices are heard. I second Senator Norris's amendment.