Ivana Bacik (Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are discussing amendment No. 30. I support Senator Higgins's amendment, which is crucial because it relates to the issue of rights of information, which is something that we have spoken about throughout this debate. It also relates to the question that I asked the Minister earlier about giving us a timeline for the publication of the information and tracing legislation which he promised and which would give comfort to so many people who have contacted us and whose stories have been so sad to hear. Senator Higgins is proposing to give a timeline for the publication of legislation on the right to information in respect of mother and baby homes. The Minister said earlier, in response to my question, that he hopes to produce information and tracing legislation next year. I know that we will all work constructively with the Minister to try to ensure that that legislation comes through not just for mother and baby home survivors but for all those who are seeking the sort of birth or identity information that is so important to so many. I support this amendment but this is also about a bigger issue, which is the publication of that broader legislation that has been so long awaited and is overdue.