Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is good to see the Minister back for what I expect is once last time considering where we are. I support this amendment because, not for the first time, it goes to the heart of one of the critical issues that, regrettably, he has never given an adequate answer to. He has never been able to justify this figure of 180 days nor has been able to justify why, if people have done that time, they can get some recognition but, if they have not, even if they have done one day fewer, they cannot. He will be aware that I have put this question to him a number of times but will he give us the rationale or a simple explanation as to how he could justify excluding these thousands of people? He has never given us an answer.This evening is the Minister's last opportunity to do the right thing. However, I can see from his body language that he has no intention of doing anything of the kind.

I welcome our friends in the Gallery. Above all else, the survivors of mother and baby homes want truth and justice. That is what we should be delivering this evening. I acknowledge the tremendous work of the Civil Engagement Group on a large number of the amendments we have still to work through tonight. We in Sinn Féin have done our best to deliver the Minister every opportunity------