Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
474. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the status of the Ryan Report recommendation to have a national memorial erected; her plans to have such a memorial erected; the timeline for same; if consideration has been given to the matter since the failed attempt in 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25284/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe proposed Memorial for children who were victims of abuse in children's residential institutions and which won an open competition, was called the Journey of Light and was designed by Studio Negri and Hennessy & Associates. The design concept was that the Memorial would be integrated with the Garden of Remembrance and would provide an enduring symbol of lost innocence to inspire future generations to ensure the protection of all children. However, An Bord Pleanála refused planning permission for the Memorial in November 2013 on the grounds that it would have an adverse impact on the setting, character and function of the Garden of Remembrance.
In view of the architecture of containment and the pathways between Industrial/Reformatory schools, Magdalene Laundries and Mother and Baby Homes, it is worth considering that memorialisation measures should encompass a whole of society approach.
I would welcome your views and your endorsement of this.
