Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I thank the Leader for organising the debate yesterday on the report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse. It was timely and important we held that debate as soon as we did. To that end, I second Senator Twomey's proposal and the request of other Members for an ongoing debate on this issue. Today's Irish Examiner contains an article in respect of another family that wishes to have the remains of their sister who died in 1955 exhumed to find our how she died. While it was stated on her death certificate that she died from dysentery, apparently she had serious wounds. I believe that the testimonies of Michael O'Brien, Christine Buckley and Colm O'Gorman will empower other unfortunate people to come forward. This is not about money, I firmly believe that. I read this morning that the Government is to have a say in how the money will be spent. It is right that we, as Members of the Oireachtas, should have a say in how that money will be spent.

Senator Harris's proposal, while a little unorthodox, is good. I agree with him that there are people in our prisons for petty crimes - we all know them - who should be set free.