Senator Bacik welcomes the Saville Report, and calls for a Debate on the Report of the Mental Health Commission

Order of Business

Senator Ivana Bacik: I join with others in welcoming yesterday's publication of the Saville report. We would all welcome the clear findings vindicating the innocent victims of that terrible atrocity and allocating blame. All of us have also welcomed the British Prime Minister's apology yesterday. It was good to hear, but matters must move on and the findings and facts of that day must be examined in the context of a criminal investigation to determine whether prosecutions can or should be taken. This is clearly the next step and is a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions in Northern Ireland. I call on the Leader for a debate on the matter, as it is important that people in the House and elsewhere discuss the findings further.

I join with others in calling for a debate on the report of the Mental Health Commission and its concerning recommendations that three psychiatric institutions should take no further admissions from next February. Senator Ryan spoke in eloquent terms about the appalling conditions in Portrane. As we all know, we have been containing members of our communities with psychiatric illness in the most appalling and inhumane conditions for far too long. I am glad that the spotlight has been placed on these institutions and I hope there will be a report.

I support Senator Norris, who yesterday referred to the visit of the Iranian foreign Minister and the brutal manner in which his private security guards manhandled certain people who were democratically protesting against his visit. With justification, they were protesting against some of what he had to say and the appalling human rights breaches of his Government.

Senators: Hear, hear.

Senator Ivana Bacik: We need a debate on the manner in which diplomatic visitors to this country can allow their security staff to commit assaults on our citizens and residents.