Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
190. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider submitting a request for a day of remembrance or commemoration to acknowledge the experience of persons abused in residential institutions here as per the Schedule contained in the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4260/20]
View answerThe abuse that occurred in residential institutions is thoroughly documented in the Ryan Report with chapters on the history of institutions, the administration and financing of those institutions, the role of the Department of Education and Skills, and the different congregations involved in the running of those institutions. Volume III documents the demographic and social circumstances of witnesses before their admission to the institutions, their experiences and reports of abuse while in the institutions and their life following discharge from the institutions.
Since the publication of the Ryan Report many other pathways to Institutionalisation have been disclosed including Magdalen Laundries and Mother and Baby Homes.
While there are currently no specific plans for a National Day for survivors of abuse in the institutions scheduled in the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 it may be worthwhile for a whole of Government approach to be examined to appropriately remember and recognise the pain suffered in the past.
