Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the Senators for their detailed and heartfelt contributions today and in some of the earlier consultations they have had with my Department. The debate we have had demonstrates the complexities and sensitivities touched on by this Bill and the wider legacy issues arising from our past and the treatment of certain categories of people, particularly women, in that time.

I have heard the dissatisfaction that Senators have voiced about the process. The sole reason this has been done in a rapid fashion is because of the upcoming deadline of 30 October, at which point the commission of investigation stands dissolved.The reason this is being done in a rapid fashion is because of the 30 October deadline, at which point the commission stands dissolved. That is the sole reason for the rush in this situation. When we bring forth the legislation I mentioned we will take the time to go through it in detail in both Houses so the very significant complexities can be teased out. This legislation is brought before the Seanad today as an opportunity to save a invaluable resource of information being lost forever. If this legislation does not pass, the database will be redacted and it will no longer be useable. It is important to note that that is the nub of what we are doing here.

I have listened to the individual contributions from Senators today. I want to get this right for the people who have been directly involved with the institutions. We all have that shared responsibility and duty. I have heard directly from former residents and their advocates and by way of the very significant email campaign as well. I understand their concerns and their need for reassurance. I thank Senator Boyhan for his personal contribution in which he reminded us of the real impact these legacy issues have on individuals.