Gerald Nash (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I also thank the Minister for his work. I commend his officials on the intensive work that they have done. It is only appropriate that that be recognised in the House. We often fail to do so, or at least do not sufficiently recognise what the Civil Service and our State agencies do in working with us to address the concerns expressed in the House and reflect the will of the people.

As the Title suggests, this Bill is an alternative to the court process. In light of the context and sensitivities around these issues and cases and how the events of recent history have placed them at the forefront of people's minds, it is important that this process be as non-adversarial as possible insofar as an adjudicatory tribunal process can be. We need to be mindful of that.

I wish to recognise and be associated with the Minister's comments on the appointment of Ms Justice Irvine. I understand that she has a significant track record, is a woman of humanity and compassion and will expertly and sensitively deal with the cases before her. I have absolutely no doubt about that.

I wish to reflect on the initiative taken in this legislation concerning the restoration of trust meetings. It is an important innovation. I am interested in the restorative justice process and its principles. We might be able to learn much from this. It will be a valuable opportunity, not just for the women themselves, but for the State to learn lessons about how we handle such issues and experiences.

To the fore in our minds should always be the women who have been affected by this issue. That is the case when every Senator contributes to a debate on it. Women like Vicky Phelan, Lorraine Walsh and Emma Mhic Mhathúna, who tragically lost her life, and families like the Teaps are steadfast campaigners and advocates. They do not campaign on the basis of what is good for them or what their experiences have been. Instead, they use their experiences to try to change this country and ensure that we learn lessons and change the culture of how we do things. That is central to the process arising out of this legislation.

I pay tribute to my party colleague, Deputy Kelly, whom the Minister will agree has done remarkable work on a cross-party basis to ensure that the State's response to this scandal is robust, sensitive and fair and that we learn lessons about how to prevent situations like this from happening again.I want to put on record my thanks and appreciation for my colleague, Senator Bacik. I also thank her colleague, Deputy Kelly, for the excellent work he has done on this issue and for the support he has given to the 221+ support group. This work and support has also been acknowledged by the women and their families. I know the Minister has acknowledged this in the past himself and continues to do so.