Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I share the Taoiseach's view in that regard. Prior to the election last year I was shocked by the scale of hurt felt by a woman who was abused in her childhood years. Eventually when the case was sent before the Director of Public Prosecutions she was informed, not by the DPP but by the abuser, that a prosecution was not being taken, which, as the Taoiseach rightly says, is appalling. If the Taoiseach is minded to change this practice, as I would be, is there a view that communications should attract legal privilege when they are given? Has consideration been given to the question of how to deal with cases where a reason cannot be given without an injustice being undermined? Those are two issues that require some consideration if the practice is to be changed.

I will move to a separate question if I may. Yesterday the civil case began in the case of the Omagh bomb and the victims thereof. It seems as if this is the only recourse to justice and truth the family members of those who were murdered in that horrible atrocity will get. The Taoiseach is aware that the Supreme Court determined that the transcripts of the trials held here should be handed over as evidence or back-up information in respect of this case. He is aware also that the civil actions are for in the order of €14 million against a number of members. In respect of this jurisdiction, can I take it that the resources of the State and whatever evidence is available to it in terms of the Garda, these transcripts and other documentation that may be available will be provided to the victims of the Omagh bomb in respect of their taking this civil case? Is the Taoiseach happy that that will be so and will he commit himself to ensure it will happen?

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