Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse describes one of the darkest chapters in our history. On this occasion it is appropriate to reiterate the words of the then Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, on 11 May 1999, when he said, "On behalf of the State and of all citizens of the State, the Government wishes to make a sincere and long overdue apology to the victims of childhood abuse for our collective failure to intervene, to detect their pain, to come to their rescue". The first recommendation of yesterday's report is to confirm, consolidate and enshrine the terms of this apology.

This report poses issues for the State on how it discharged its responsibilities, as well as for religious orders and wider society. We should carefully reflect on its contents. I agree that a considered and informed debate should be held in this House and I would appreciate if Members could come to an agreement on its format and timing. Our offer is the week after next in order to allow people to inform themselves. The Government will be holding a special meeting to consider the report. As I do not wish to have any disagreement on the floor of the House, we agree in principle to the debate and perhaps we could arrange its timing among ourselves.

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