Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are all aware of the judge's sterling work on inquiries into clerical abuse in both the Dublin and Cloyne dioceses. I very much hope and expect that she will command the respect of all involved. She has enviable experience as a lawyer, judge and former employee of what was known as the National Social Services Board and I wish her well. I very much welcome the Minister's decision to leave it to her discretion to decide whether further appointments are required in order to assist her.

I do not wish to prejudice the inquiry that is due to commence after the summer. Yesterday, the interdepartmental committee's report was published and a figure stood out. The committee, through the General Register Office, identified that 1,101 births were recorded during the 36 years that the home operated from 1925 to 1961 and 800 deaths which means 301 children survived the place which is staggering. Without prejudicing the inquiry, let us consider having a constructive debate on the report. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the interdepartmental report and invite the new Minister to attend before the summer recess, if possible, or at the earliest point on our return.