Gerard Craughwell (Independent)

I am not going to take a lot of time on this. My colleague, Senator Boyhan, said more than any of us could say. The passion with which he speaks is incredible, and I am proud to call him my friend. Ordinarily, I would be against a motion seeking something to be laid before the House in 12 months, but on this occasion I support this for one reason and one reason only. By looking for it to be reported on a 12-month basis, it means it constantly remains in public sight. From that point of view, I believe it is highly beneficial for that reason alone. We must never ever forget, because we forgot those who were incarcerated in these places. So many have died who will never ever see any retribution. What is going on in Tuam at the moment is heartbreaking stuff. I say again today that not one God damn father has ever come forward and said he fathered that child or he was the one responsible for putting that women into an institution. The fathers were quite happy to walk away and, in some cases, they accused the woman of being a loose woman or whatever else to protect themselves. Many of them went on to have great careers, families, etc. I hope any of them who watch what Senator Boyhan said today rot in their graves for deserting those they landed in these institutions.