Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, with regard to the extent of the waiver, we would all like to hear that rather than a letter to Senator Higgins. That would be very important in a context where this House has condemned non-disclosure agreements, NDAs, and other arrangements that seek to limit and prohibit people. It is really important we all know the extent of the waiver. To be honest, I am a bit surprised an answer is not available given the extent of the debates on this and that, at this late stage, we do not know its confines or lack of confines.

Regarding the six months, I again put in a plea on this that there is still room. I had great hopes when this Bill was delayed coming to this House that there were changes that had been proposed and that proposals that had been put forward were being considered. I have spoken to many mothers who, if they come within getting a payout under the scheme, which is modest by any means given the extent of suffering endured, where their now adult child with whom they have any relationship does not come within the scheme, they are going to share that modest payout with that child. This six-month exclusion rule is going to cause additional reductions in the payout to mothers who choose to do that.

The exclusion is arbitrary and goes against every piece of psychological trauma we understand. It is arbitrary, it is based on money and it is heartless. I know that in his heart the Minister is not behind it. I know that for sure and I promised him that I would always acknowledge that. I do, and where there are others, I have had lots to say about it there as well. There is still time for all of us to have a lot to say in our parliamentary parties and otherwise about the matter.