Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I still think it was an interesting point of order and I would still like to see a female Cathaoirleach and Leader in the House today. That is up to both of the individuals concerned but it would be a good thing to do. I offer my condolences to those affected by the tragedy in Clondalkin. Senator Humphreys mentioned that members of Dublin Fire Brigade were in Leinster House yesterday when I raised the break-up of the ambulance and emergency services. I hope good news will emerge later today on the back of the intervention yesterday.

I wish to raise the Donnybrook Magdalen laundry, given that it is International Women's Day. The laundry, which is located in Dublin 4 in the capital city, is for sale for approximately €3 million. It would be a disgraceful shame were the sale to go ahead. The State must intervene and buy the building, along with a donation from the Bon Secours order, which posted profits yesterday for last year of almost €3 million and has accumulated profits over the last decade of just under €100 million. The Government must purchase the home in reparation. On this day, let us dedicate that home to mná na hÉireann, show our history, how great we are and also the tragedies we have overcome, and the strength that is in mná na hÉireann, 51% of the population. That project must be progressed.

I ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Heather Humphreys, to intervene and buy the property. If we allow the development of apartments, homes and playgrounds on the site we will forget, and we cannot do that. It would be like buying a slice of a concentration camp and allowing a development for happy families. The families in the housing estate in Tuam are extremely uncomfortable with what is going on there and what they are living beside. I press the Leader to ensure that women in this country are recognised. We need a museum that tells our history. We silently fought for our history and we made history in this country. We must speak for those who still have no voice in this country. I urge the Leader to bring my request to fruition. We can never forget but we can learn.