Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-30
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Mary Lou McDonald (SF), Dublin Central

I too send our best wishes and solidarity to Treasa and all of Seamus's family on his sad loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
I spoke to Harvey Morrison Sherratt's mother, Gillian, this morning. This is what she said as regards what is proposed: "It's so far removed from what we were promised and expected that we feel like we're back at day one." That is really worrying and it reflects the reaction of many parents. We need to get to grips with this. I am not questioning the essential model that is proposed. I have questioned the Taoiseach specifically on its point of departure. I have put it to him that 1 January 2019 is not the correct date because these problems, issues and really negative experiences, as well as the promises that were made to parents and children, predate 2019. Why in the name of goodness would the Government take that as its point of departure? In the terms of reference, that needs to be corrected. Second, we need explicit recognition that this will be a public process except where parents choose or wish to give testimony in private. Those are just two core issues, among others, that parents are advocating for. Above all else, this inquiry has to, I am sure the Taoiseach will agree, enjoy the full confidence of those parents and families.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-09-30/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-10-05T01:00:59+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-30