Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am sure the detail in the report is absolutely scandalous and brings shame on a civilised society. I repeat that it is very necessary that this legislative body enact swiftly measures to ensure the future safety of young boys and girls and children in general.

We have heard promises for quite a long time about legislation to establish a register of persons considered unsafe to work with children. Deputy Enright introduced a Private Members' Bill on this matter last year. We have not had any response from the Government in terms of its producing its own legislation. We also await changes to the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 and the Sex Offenders Act 2001 which were recommended by a cross-departmental body in 2004. Every Member of the House, from every party and none, will understand the importance of introducing these changes swiftly and effectively.

The Ferns report is truly a shocking wake-up call to the church and State in that so much more needs to be done in the interest of protecting young people. Whatever assistance the Government needs in terms of time or effort to deal with the necessary legislative changes, it will certainly receive it from this side of the House. Given that people have had to live for so long under the appalling circumstances that have obtained, we as a legislative body should at least unite in effect and efficiency in dealing with the legislative consequences. There is no time for more promises. A timescale should be set and this legislative body should be allowed implement the necessary changes in the interests of the children of the future.

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