Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with all previous speakers today. I want to express my most sincere sympathy to all those affected by the mother and baby homes.

This deeply saddening discovery confirms our worst suspicion about mother and baby homes. It shows the importance of the ongoing commission of investigation. This is across Ireland. The sadness here today is evident. There is such sadness in the Seanad to think that we can see this in our own country. It is unacceptable. We must get answers for how women were treated during their ordeals in the mother and baby homes. We need to ensure that the stories and the experiences of these women and children are never forgotten. We must honour their stories. I believe they need to be honoured. They have gone through so much. Years ago, this subject was taboo. Everything was hidden.

Fair play to the people that have gone through this. We, as legislators, need to get answers. The commission must give them the answers that they deserve. It cannot go on long. These answers must be given urgently. We are here to get the answers for these people. Well done to them all.