Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Fianna Fail)

The Minister is very welcome to the Upper House, and fair play to her, she is always available to us, a sign of a great Minister. Gabhaim buíochas léi.

I would like to take a moment to think of the woman we know only as Grace. Grace was let down. There is no doubt about that. She was a non-verbal girl whose dental hygiene and dental health were allowed to deteriorate and who was sent to daycare not as often as she should have been and shabbily dressed. One can only imagine how she felt. I think of her today.

Today we rise in solemn reflection but also in unwavering determination. I speak on behalf of Fianna Fáil to welcome the publication of the final substantive report of the Farrelly commission, including the commission's statement on part X of its terms of reference. We acknowledge the extraordinary work carried out over several years under the statutory independence of the Farrelly commission, established in 2017. Its remit was as vital as it was painful: to investigate the care and protection of Grace and others in a former foster home in the south east, in an environment that has been the subject of deeply troubling abuse allegations. We use a pseudonym, Grace, not only in recognition of her right to privacy and dignity but also in deep respect for the resilience she and others have shown. Her name has become part of a wider reckoning. The commission's efforts represent a pivotal milestone in our collective responsibility as lawmakers, as public servants and as a nation to bring light to past wrongs and learn how to prevent them from ever happening again.

The report, published on 15 April 2025, marks a conclusion of phase 1 and addresses significant elements under part X. Notably, the commission concluded that there is an absence of information warranting further investigation into the conduct of public authorities in seven identified cases - cases akin to Grace's except for two. These are already examined and reported on by the commission. It is important to understand that these findings do not imply the absence of hardship, injustice or pain in any of those cases. Rather, they reflect the commission's careful approach to determining whether statutory thresholds for further inquiry were met. That is a sobering distinction because even in the absence of legal fault we must remain conscious of our moral obligation to guard against failure in care.

The report also revisits the treatment of protected disclosures, those courageous efforts by individuals who dare to speak out. The commission found no further basis to justify deeper investigation into how those disclosures were handled or how the individuals making them were treated. While this finding offers some reassurance, it must not lead to complacency. We must still honour and protect those who come forward. Whistleblowers perform an essential public function, often at personal risk, and they must feel confident that the system has their back not just in word but in action.

Following detailed consideration and consultation with the Attorney General, the conclusion is clear: there is no legal or evidentiary basis to initiate phase 2 of the commission. That determination is one that Fianna Fáil respects, grounded as it is in independence and legal integrity, but our commitment does not end with a report or a legal boundary. Justice is not static; accountability is not one-dimensional. Our focus now shifts from investigation to reflection and, most importantly, to action. We must ask ourselves, what are the lessons? How can we ensure that the systems we rely on to protect the most vulnerable are working not just on paper but also in practice?

To that end, we commend the initiative taken by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Deputy Norma Foley, in launching an expert-led, non-statutory safeguarding review. This is not a substitute for justice; it is a continuation of it, a future-facing commitment that recognises the responsibility of the State not only to examine the past but to future-proof care. This initiative will draw on expert insight to identify how policies and systems can be fortified. It will critically examine where vulnerabilities remain and ensure that the insides of the Farrelly commission report, painful as they are, do not gather dust on a shelf but take root in reform. This is what meaningful accountability looks like.

We especially welcome the collaborative nature of this safeguarding exercise. Department officials are actively working to identify appropriate experts in the field of safeguarding, professionals who will bring both experience and empathy to the process. Critically, the seven individuals referred to in part X, or their representatives, are being invited to participate to share their lived experience should they so wish. And let us be clear: lived experience is expertise. It brings a depth of understanding that no policy paper ever could. Learning directly from those most impacted by these events makes the process not only inclusive but truly transformative. It is essential that this safeguarding review operates transparently and with empathy and urgency. It should be resourced adequately and treated as a priority because the stakes are too high and the cost of failure is too great. Let us also acknowledge the courage it takes to step forward to relive trauma in order to help others. Their bravery is not something we can repay but we can honour it through real and lasting change.

We must never forget why the Farrelly commission was convened in the first place.We must bring the memory of what Grace and others went through into every discussion about care, protection and safeguarding. This is not just about correcting past failures; it is about building trust in the system and ensuring that, when families place faith in the State, that faith is not betrayed. That is the essence of public service and the foundation of democracy. That is what we in Fianna Fáil stand for - governance with compassion, policies with purpose and care systems which dignify every individual.

Before I conclude, I offer a final word of thanks to the Farrelly commission for its work which was handled in a very sensitive way; to the families and individuals who bravely participated in the investigation; to the whistleblowers whose courage must never be taken for granted; and to the Minister, Deputy Foley, and her Department for their continued commitment to safeguarding reform. Let us not close the book on this chapter too quickly. Let us ensure the legacy of the wonderful Grace is not one of silence or sorrow but one of progress, protection and persistent vigilance.

Fianna Fáil remains steadfast in our belief that every person, regardless of ability, background or circumstances deserves safety, dignity and respect. The work of reform is never finished, but with resolve, compassion and action, we can deliver a future worthy of those we failed in the past.