Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this very important debate and motion. I welcome the commission of investigation to inquire into allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy operating under the aegis of the archdiocese of Dublin and to examine the implementation by the archdiocese of church guidelines and the recommendations of the Ferns Report. I will support this motion.

The Minister was correct in stating earlier that sexual abuse is associated with a range of adverse long-term effects, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and relationship problems. We must all acknowledge that the pain of sexual abuse lingers with victims for many years. We must also acknowledge that the damage inflicted on young children and people in the care of the Catholic Church and other institutions has led to suicide and alcohol and drug abuse. The most important people in this debate are the victims of abuse. They have suffered a nightmare of pain and anguish so the maximum amount of support and assistance must be offered to them.

It is important to pay tribute to the people who acted as whistleblowers. They worked with children and faced and exposed situations where abuse was taking place. Teachers who attempt to deal with child sexual abuse show great courage as they face threats of violence and intimidation as a result of their actions. I base this comment on my own experience as a primary school teacher. It is extremely difficult for an individual who uncovers the abuse of a young child. It is difficult for that individual to look at his or her own children and try to sleep at night after contacting the social services, knowing that young children are at risk. We should pay tribute to and look after the whistleblowers because they are often forgotten. Social workers and child care workers must be guaranteed our maximum support and protection because their work is very dangerous. Child abuse is a very dangerous issue with which to become involved.

It is important for the commission to deal fairly with the issues. Adequate compensation must be provided for the victims. Sadly, many victims are unable to move on and we must constantly be vigilant and look after them. We must also understand that many victims of child abuse have not and do not wish to disclose publicly the abuse they suffered. We must help this silent majority. A friend of mine, who is now married with two children, was raped at the age of 11. I can see that his suffering has continued.

We must be vigilant in the future because those who abuse children will adapt in the face of intervention strategies established to protect children from sexual abuse. Those who abuse children will not go away in the future. I welcome the establishment of this commission because it is a very important development.

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