Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome amendment No. 3 on section 6 and I particularly welcome the Bill. So far, we had an extremely balanced debate which is important. We all have one shared objective regardless of political view points. The objective of this legislation is to do our utmost as Members of the Oireachtas to protect children.

This is a very important Bill, which I strongly support. I feel very strongly about the issue of sexual exploitation of children, which is a horrific crime that has gone on for many years. It has occurred through history and still occurs. Children must be the priority in this debate.

I have worked with many cases of child abuse over the past 20 years and met many victims. A very good friend of mine was sexually abused as a child and I know at first hand how that person has suffered and still suffers today. It is nightmare and a living hell for many people.

I use this opportunity to say to those who bear responsibility for some of the abuse in the past, particularly the religious orders, that they must reflect on the way they acted and treated some of the victims. It is an issue that must be dealt with.

It is important that the Bill provides for a grooming offence, and I welcome that important provision. A number of Deputies have mentioned other countries and the act occurs in certain other nations. I will not name the countries as I do not believe it fair to label different countries. We all have people in our societies and countries who exploit and sexually abuse children.

I welcome the debate and will strongly support the amendments.

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