Jimmy Devins (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with Deputy Hoctor.

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on this important issue. The catalogue of depravity revealed in the Ferns Report makes for sorry reading. We owe a debt of gratitude to the authors of the report, particularly Mr. Justice Murphy, for producing a clear and concise report in the timescale allocated. In the limited time available I do not propose to examine in detail the scale of child sex abuse by priests attached to the diocese of Ferns. The scale and awfulness of the abuse is well documented in the report. I reiterate the suggestion of the Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, Deputy Moloney, that this committee along with the Committee on Education and Science would be a suitable vehicle to examine the contents of the report in more depth.

Chapter 4, where repeated allegations and complaints are detailed, makes for harrowing reading. Child sex abuse is a terrifying ordeal for the unfortunate child involved. Everyone is particularly revolted when a person of authority in the eyes of the child, such as a parent, teacher, doctor or priest, is involved. That does not imply abuse is any less serious if carried out by an adult not in a position of authority. The catalogue of abuse detailed in pages 70 to 123 is horrific and the psychological scarring for the victims is immense. Their courage in the face of extreme adversity is to be commended and it is imperative lessons are learned and the correct procedures put in place to ensure such a litany of disasters does not occur again.

What can legislators do? The value of this report is that it brings to light a matter that has been hidden from public scrutiny for a long time. Paedophilia is present in our society and we must recognise this or our children will continue to suffer. Paedophilia has been present since time immemorial. At times, recognition of its intrinsic evil has been highlighted and steps taken to counteract it. With increasing research, some degree of understanding has developed. We do not know what turns certain individuals into paedophiles but we know treatment is long and difficult and not always successful. We also know prevention is infinitely better than cure, an aspect to which I wish to refer.

A paedophile cannot commit paedophilia without access to children. Emphasis must be placed on protecting children as much as possible. Scrutiny of all adults with access to children must be of the highest standard. A strong case exists for the presence of two adults at all times while children are involved in an activity. Such a policy will be difficult to implement, particularly in the sporting and voluntary sector where it is increasingly difficult to recruit coaches and volunteers. The presence of another adult lessens the danger that a child may be abused as well as acting as protection for the adults.

Mandatory reporting is an issue about which there is some conflict but I am persuaded it should be put in place, with clear guidelines, so that complaints or suspicions put forward for the wrong reasons are dealt with. I urge the Minister of State to examine how this important component of dealing with child sex abuse may be implemented.

I welcome the decision to set up an investigation into child abuse in the diocese of Dublin. Questions have been asked of the other dioceses in Ireland. I understand the Minister of State has the authority to examine any other diocese if he feels it is warranted and I would be grateful if he could confirm this.

Constituents have brought to my attention the role played by members of religious orders who engaged in child sex abuse while on secondment to a diocese for parochial duties. Are the activities of these priests under the jurisdiction of the bishop or the religious superior? I note that members of religious congregations were not covered in the Ferns Report. Are procedures in place so that child sex abuse by members of religious congregations can be exposed in the same manner this report exposed the paedophilia of certain priests in the Ferns diocese? The Ferns Report is an important step in the right direction and it is up to us to play our part in the protection of children.

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