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

Senator Boyhan is right regarding the importance of survivors living overseas being informed of their ability to make claims under this legislation. Once it is passed, we will have a dedicated information campaign. We will co-ordinate that with the Department of Foreign Affairs and our embassies around the world and also link in with Irish diaspora groups. When I was in the US as part of the week of festivities celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, I met with a group of survivors. It ended up being online, but I met with that group from the US. I had hoped to meet them in person, but that did not work out. It was just good to meet them and hear from them directly, although it was not the first time I met with that group. Therefore, we are seeking to have these kinds of engagements with diaspora groups. It is an important facet.

Regarding wider work under way in this context, and as the Senator will be aware, the commission's report set out 22 actions. Some involve significant items of legislation. Next week, I will be back in this House in the context of Second Stage of the Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022. It is important legislation that will provide survivors with full access to all information. Yesterday, we completed Committee Stage of the Institutional Burials Bill 2022, which will allow us to deal with Tuam and similar burial sites. That legislation will be coming to this House in due course. Additionally, about a month ago we announced approval for a national centre for research and remembrance and the identification of Sean McDermott Street as its location. We will also begin work on the legislation needed to provide protection for records and allow access to them. This project will also represent significant regeneration of the north inner city. Therefore, work is under way on all elements of the State’s response.