Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today is a new day, and this morning we received better news on the airwaves when we woke up regarding what is happening in America. Let us hope that by the end of today or tomorrow we will see the return of integrity, decency and honesty to the White House.

I too support of the Debenhams workers. I participated in the online Zoom call with shop stewards and other Oireachtas Members yesterday. The fact that Debenhams itself has walked away from this entire process and that KPMG is threatening to walk away by the end of December is appalling. It is right that the Government should do what it can. I ask the Leader to take that message back.

Senator Gavan spoke about inequality in the United States. Equality is important and we need to learn lessons from it, but another significant threat to democracy there, in this country and in Europe is populism, fake news and mistruths that are spread on social media. We all have to take account of that.

I wish to briefly raise a very difficult, divisive and emotive debate that took place in the House in recent weeks on mother and baby homes. Unfortunately, it ended up becoming a political issue, which it should not have. The unfortunate women and their children who suffered at the hands of the State and the church should have been at the very centre of the debate, in terms of recognising and looking back on that shameful, dark period in our lives.

The commission has published its 4,000 page report, which has been sent to the Minister. There were several delays in recent years, and it is most important that the report be published along with its recommendations on redress. I ask the Leader to take up the issue. It is good that the commission is sitting for another four months to fully consult survivors about having their identity revealed. The Taoiseach, the Attorney General and the Minister have very clearly stated that everybody can have access to their own personal records. It is most important to state that here, loudly and clearly.