Residential Institutions
Seanad Éireann — 2026-01-20
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Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (FF), Carlow-Kilkenny

This is really important. As the Senator said, the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, was apologetic that she could not come today. She is aware of this. I thank Patricia and Bryan for being here to highlight this. Everybody is affected as we know from anyone we have spoken to who has been in mother and baby homes. It is important that we work together on this new Bill.
Concerns relating to historic inappropriate or unlawful detention of children are among the most serious that can arise in the context of our health and social care services. Such concerns go to the centre of our collective responsibility to safeguard the people who are most vulnerable in our society and require compassion and care in how we respond. The Department is open to examining any information that may assist in establishing the circumstances surrounding the concerns raised by the Senator here today. I assure him and anyone listening who may have personal experience of institutional settings that concerns of this nature, such as the one highlighted here today, are approached with upmost seriousness. Should relevant information be provided, it will receive careful and thorough consideration.
Again, I thank Patricia and Bryan for being here today and highlighting Carmel. It is important that we remember Carmel here today. I thank them and thank the Senator for bringing this case here.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-01-20/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:31+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-20