Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Senator Gilroy, who has left the Chamber, on the launch of his book. I, too, want to raise the issue of the nuns refusing to contribute to the fund for the Magdalen survivors. I was amazed that they made that decision. I call for a debate in the House to find out who made the decision, because from my experience of the Sisters of Charity - they have the right name - the Daughters of Charity and the Mercy nuns, I do not believe they as a congregation would have made such a decision. We have had lectures from the Pope, the bishops and others on morals and ethics in terms of what we should and should not do. I call on the religious orders to have regard for morals and ethics and to re-examine this matter to see what they are doing to the Magdalen survivors. They are not doing them a service. They did them a disservice years ago and what they are doing now is slapping those women in the face. I cannot find the words to express the view that they are not doing their moral and ethical duty. The Minister's hands are tied. He cannot compel them to do that.

Senator Moran asked that the Ministers put their heads together on this matter. There is enough brainpower in this Seanad to allow us put our heads together and come up with some ideas. I am asking for a speedy debate. One in Four has asked us to make representations to the Pope. I was a member of a group called Separation of Church and State over 15 years ago. I will not make a representation to the Pope. He should look after his church and enforce moral and ethical standards. Those of us in this House will look after our own moral and ethical standards, which I hope we can uphold. I call for a speedy debate on how we can assist the sisters in making the decision I am sure the majority of them would like to make, namely, to meet their obligations.