Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I had lunch today with two people who were tragically subjected to terrible institutional abuse. They wanted to talk and what better place to come than here? I have spoken before about the fact that I grew up in an institution. When I was two days old, I left St. Kevin's mother and baby home in Dublin and ended up in Dún Laoghaire, where I remained. We all want to belong and to be in a place where we are recognised and valued. I have always chosen that town to be my home and have never left it. I want to be there. I feel a sense of belonging there and I had the great privilege of being elected to the council there.

I am really here today to listen to the Minister rather than to say very much myself. I remember, at the age of 11, leaving one institution to go to another in Dún Laoghaire with a cornflakes box, a pair of pyjamas and a note. I presented myself, on my own, to an institution. I moved from an institution which had boys and girls to one which housed only boys. These institutions were the subject of the redress board and after a long campaign they were accepted as part of the Schedule to that legislation. I was involved in that campaign and that is what politicised me. I remember looking back and thinking that when I said "Goodbye", I often said that I would be back but people said, "They all say that". I remember thinking that I would be back and that I would never forget.

One does not forget. It is a bit like an onion; little pieces peel away and little pieces die but little pieces also grow and they empower one. We see the world from where we stand and our experiences within it. We bring those experiences with us into the future. I would never deny my past and my experiences. I hope that in some small way I can bring them with me through my work. I would be telling a lie if I said that it did not have an impact on me as a person and on my personal relationships with others and on what motivates me. Perhaps some of our insecurities drive us to prove more and to seek valuation and affirmation. We all want to be loved, accepted and valued.

I want to thank the Minister in particular because, as many have said, in her we see compassion, care, understanding and empathy. She too has had her journey. We have all had our journeys and we all have a story to tell. It is a pity that we did not walk away from people who did not matter. Why try to keep people on board who do not care about us? Why not go forward, liberate and free ourselves and tell people of our experiences?

When I left, I used to say that one day I would tell my story but more importantly, I want to be believed. Will people believe me? I never thought that one day I would come into the Houses of Parliament. I come in here every day and I pinch myself, with pride and joy, that I am an elected Member of this Parliament. When I came in here on the first day I was struck by the amount of people who had loved ones, partners, wives, mothers and children with them. I walked in that gate on my own. Yes, there was loneliness, isolation and vulnerability but I held my head high and told myself that I am in here because I was elected, that I have a job to do and I want to do it. I want to be a voice for others. I am now believed.

Today, I stand here, very proud that I can say something and the Minister is listening. The two people with whom I had lunch today said that they were amazed by the Minister. They had contact with her office and they believed. Why did they believe? I think it is because the Minister has her story to tell and has empathy with others. It is great to have the Minister here today. I mean that sincerely. I never met her before I came into this House but I know that we are in good hands. The people who are here today, listening, are in good hands. The Minister will not let them down, she will see them right and make sure they get justice. I thank the Minister for that.