Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)

In the name of the Independent Deputies of the Technical Group, I asked Government last Wednesday to enact within 48 hours this necessary legislation and not to wait until next week, as had been proposed by others. This was in order for our children to be safe this weekend. This Bill is by no means perfect, but we must act now and do our best to come back to the matter again as necessary. In this regard, long overdue video evidence taken from children is immediately necessary.

I have also called on the Tánaiste for an audit of other potential loopholes which would benefit sexual predators and a review of the counselling and psychological supports for child victims in particular. This case exposes the uncaring and incompetent underbelly of a Government which has lost touch with the people. The consequence is that we are today trying to pick up the pieces of shattered young vulnerable lives which this Government has cruelly failed to protect.

This incompetent Government has crossed the Rubicon when it cannot protect our children. I represent the people of Mayo. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, should resign because of such disservice to the people. The Brendan Smyth case brought down a previous Government. This is much worse. The Minister, Deputy McDowell, must resign now.

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