James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

There are no real legal issues that cannot be addressed over the course of the summer months to the satisfaction of all. The greatest legal wrangles occur when people wish to obstruct and frustrate. The old saying, "where there is a will, there is a way", could not be more true than it is tonight. If there truly is a will to make amends on the part of the congregations, they will not seek cover behind legalese and technicalities. If there is a will on the part of the State, as expressed by the Taoiseach, it will not seek to hide behind legal niceties either. Compromise can be reached and a settlement can be made; there is no need for delay or to oppose this Bill. If it is opposed, it will send a stark reminder to the people that they will hear nothing from the Government in this House but weasel words that have no meaning or intent and that it will not really set about addressing the issues it pretends to address.

Our intention is to honour the promises of this House to compensate the victims of institutional abuse, which was widespread, extensive, physical, psychological and sexual. I see no reason we cannot agree to Second Stage of this Bill tomorrow night. I commend it to the House.

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