Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to speak about Bethany Home. We heard on "Morning Ireland" this morning that the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs was due to bring a memorandum to Cabinet this morning seeking a 12-month extension for Judge Yvonne Murphy to carry out her very important work, on which I commend her. We do not need a lesson here today to explain why things have gone way beyond the original timeframe set. We know from reports from the commission that the Tuam babies issue came up in 2015 and this was an added piece of work for Judge Murphy to deal with.

My concern is with Bethany Home, a Protestant organisation. For some reason the Government and previous Administrations have failed to take on the importance of this establishment. It is now known as fact that this was an incarceration house for many women and children. There is no dispute about it. These children were in State care or the State should have had a responsibility.

The Taoiseach made an excellent presentation at yesterday's commemoration of the centenary of the First Dáil. He talked about our shameful past. He talked about institutions, including mother and baby homes. He said that we would need to do things in different ways and face new challenges. He is dead right and has my full support.

The Minister, Deputy Zappone, discussed this very important issue with us previously. If possible we should ask her to come back to the House to debate the matter with particular emphasis on Bethany Home. Abuse knows no religious bounds. This wholly Protestant institution has been excluded for reasons I do not know. In any place where children were in care there was a duty of care on our society, Government, public administration and every arm of the State. It is important that we give reason. More important, Bethany Home should be included in a redress scheme.

I do not think the suggestion reported in the media today that the commission has to work through the initial 17 institutions is correct. While I accept its remit was to deal with these 17 institutions and that some people will be disappointed that this will continue for another year, it is important that we send a clear message to people, including Senators and Deputies, who have long campaigned for this particular organisation to be investigated. It is fair, right and proper. I ask that the Minister come to the House to share her views, particularly on Bethany Home.I call on everyone in this House to use their influence on Government to try to push this forward and get this group of people included in the redress scheme.