Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

Having read the Ferns Report, I also share the horror and deep sadness that others have expressed. I must declare that I knew two of the priests who are named in the report. It is difficult to understand the behaviour outlined in the report of those who perpetrated those crimes, in addition to those who permitted the silence that followed and enabled that behaviour to recommence elsewhere. It is quite incomprehensible and cannot be condoned. One can but try to grasp why this happened and understand how it occurred in the way it did. We must learn from the revelations that were given so courageously by those who suffered and who carried that pain within them for so many years before having the opportunity to tell their stories.

Having listened to many of my colleagues, we must try to be as clear headed as possible in trying to understand the terrible sadness involved.

We are still learning about the phenomenon of paedophilia. Deputy Devins said it has been in existence since time began. No doubt it has been, but it is only now that we are able to put a name on it. Many years ago, it would have been seen as a dirty habit or strange behaviour and, to some extent, that may explain why it was not dealt with properly at the time. Nevertheless, that attitude does not condone the silence that shrouded this criminal behaviour and enabled it to continue. Young people were hurt and had to carry the pain into adulthood. As elected representatives, we must now enable them to deal with that situation and move on in life, although they can never leave it behind since it has left such an indelible mark.

Members of the Oireachtas are in a responsible position to address this matter in the best way possible. Expert psychologists claim that people with paedophilic tendencies gravitated towards the respectable role of the priesthood where they had access to children. Unfortunately, the vocation of the priesthood, for which I have deep respect, was greatly abused in that way. It should be made clear that paedophiles became priests and not vice versa. It is also important to make clear that homosexuality is not co-related to paedophilia. There is a danger that some reporting may suggest that is the case, although we know it is not so.

The past few weeks have been devastating for those of us learning about this matter for the first time through the report. I welcome the accumulation of data in the report as well as the work that is being undertaken to put together stringent strategies in all dioceses throughout the country. The Children First programme has been implemented in many voluntary organisations, but not all. Everyone involved in volunteerism with access to children must engage in the programme. This is as much for the children's protection as for that of the volunteers.

Given my political interests, I welcome the fact the Garda central vetting unit will be located in Thurles. Quite apart from the proposed location with which I am delighted, the work of the unit is vital. I compliment the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, for his work in this area, which I have discussed with him privately. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, has also been involved in this work. I urge those involved to continue the work on drafting mandatory reporting legislation without delay. A similar effort is required with regard to legislation governing the logging and vetting of people who will work with children and vulnerable adults.

Before the criminal records bureau was established in the United Kingdom, agencies had all worked in isolation from one another. When the work of the Garda central vetting unit begins in Thurles, I urge the Minister to set up a multi-agency, public protection panel. The HSE, local authority housing sections, the Garda Síochána, the probation service and social services should work in partnership to provide a full picture of such offenders. By providing information on an inter-agency basis, such people can be fully monitored.

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