Mary White (Fianna Fail)

The reputation of this nation among Irish people and people throughout the world was defiled when the Ryan report was published in May of this year. The report stated that at least 30,000 children who were under the care of the State in industrial and reform schools were sexually, emotionally or physically abused. Our Constitution was drawn up in 1937, at a time when children were seen and not heard. It is about time we listened to the children. When the Minister launched the implementation report in July of this year, he said he accepted all the recommendations and would implement them. One of the report's key recommendations was that there should be a memorial to the men and women who were abused, many of whose lives are still destroyed. I suggest that we should have a national day of remembrance to show our respect for the Irish children who were physically and emotionally abused by civil servants, volunteers, doctors, Christian Brothers and members of other religious orders. It is critical for the Leader to seek the attendance of the Minister of State with responsibility for children in this House as soon as possible. The Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, should update Senators on the position with regard to the constitutional amendment on children. I emphasise that the rights of children have to be fully enshrined in the Constitution of today.