Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in expressing dissatisfaction at the lack of a full and comprehensive apology by the Taoiseach yesterday, following publication of the excellent report carried out by former Senator Martin McAleese and his team, which vindicated what had being said by many families, parents and the women down through the years. As outlined by Senator Ó Murchú, the advice of the Attorney General was probably sought at the Government meeting yesterday on the question of compensation. That is a narrow way of looking at the issue. The issue is about closure, providing forgiveness and reassurance and, as one lady said yesterday on radio, the State wrapping its arms around us again. That was not done yesterday which was a mistake. I hope the Taoiseach will reflect on it. I understand he will look comprehensively at the documentation but he would be better advised to listen to some of the victims and respond more quickly than is proposed. Whether the issue of compensation arises, those people deserve compensation if it is to be made available. That should not be an issue.

I call on the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills to the House to discuss the new means-testing arrangement which he is due to bring to Cabinet this month for including farmland and assets of the self-employed in consideration for third level grants. That would mean students from farming backgrounds would be unable to go to third level education. The Minister does not appear to have any idea of the implications of the proposal. I appeal to the Leader to liaise with the Minister's office as to when the proposal is due to go before Cabinet and allow us have our say before that occurs.