The State must provide sufficient resources to An Garda Síochána and TUSLA, in investigating the falsification of adoption records and in providing information and assurance to those who think they may be affected.
The fact is that the most recent revelations relate to only one institution. There were many more institutions involved in these practices, indeed as the Taoiseach has stated, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Each and every file must be made available. This is not a time for further concealment.
Once again a significant scandal has only come to light due to the diligence and persistence of campaigners and investigative journalists. While I accept Minister Zappone is attempting to take an initiative by revealing these latest details, we now need full and open disclosure.
We know that campaigners have been raising these issues with successive governments since at least 2002. They raised the specific matter of St Patrick’s Guild in 2003, with the then Fianna Fail Children’s Minister, but no action was taken.
Over the years, the Adoption Rights Alliance has raised the specific issue of illegal adoption with successive Ministers, the joint Oireachtas Committee and with the Adoption Authority of Ireland. No significant action ever followed.
The collusion between the State and the church and other institutions and individuals must also be a matter for An Garda Síochána. We must remember that many babies were exported to America and other countries over the decades. These babies, who are now adults, must be given the opportunity to access their records and know their true identity. Any attempts to thwart or delay efforts for people who think they may be affected, will no longer be tolerated.
