Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to be able to speak on this important report. It is probably the most important report that will come before the House in the lifetime of this Dáil or, indeed, many Dáilanna.

I offer my support and condolences to all the victims who have suffered as a result of time spent in institutional care in this country. It is very little in terms of what the victims have suffered, but like all Members, I want to state publicly that I am disgusted and annoyed by what I have read and learnt about the suffering which these victims underwent as a result of being incarcerated in residential institutions.

Yesterday I attended part of the march of survivors outside the Dáil, and to listen to what the victims had to say could not but move and affect one in the most profound way. I was especially struck by the spontaneous applause for various speakers when they spoke about their time in various residential institutions.

I spent the past week to ten days reading the Ryan report and the litany of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and overall neglect that the victims suffered is harrowing in the extreme. To perpetuate that sort of abuse on any human being is intolerable, but to have it done to children is vile. We must remember that this was done in institutions that were funded, and supposed to be supervised, by the State. Their lives were hell on earth. I am ashamed that such behaviour was carried out on defenceless children.

It is imperative that all of the recommendations and conclusions outlined in the Ryan report are implemented. The victims must be supported in every possible way, be it by counselling and emotional support, practical help in terms of housing and other methods of reintegration into society, and financial assistance, to help reclaim their lives. I am acutely aware that everything we must do will never make up for the damage inflicted through no fault of their own on those abused victims, but we must still do all in our power to help and support them.

I also want to look at how the State can learn from the litany of abuse that this report outlines and do the best we can to ensure that our children and those entrusted to the care of the State are protected. In this regard, I am particularly conscious that much of the residential care provided by the State is to people with intellectual disability.

People with intellectual disability are as vulnerable as children and as a general practitioner who worked in this area, I am conscious of this vulnerability. I am aware of the considerable strides that have been made in this area in recent years and I am also aware, from my travels around the country meeting front-line staff, of the tremendous dedication and support that is provided in institutions all over the country.

At present, nobody can be employed to work in a residential care setting without Garda clearance. This vetting procedure is vital and goes a long way to prevent paedophiles and physical abusers gaining access to the most vulnerable in society. However, this vetting will only show up people who have come to the attention of the Garda Síochána. The worry is that somebody will be employed who will have access to children or persons with intellectual disability and that such a person may have a latent propensity to abuse. Yesterday, we all learnt of the horrific case of the nursery worker in the UK who is currently in police custody for suspected abuse of children. The same could occur in Ireland because sick individuals with the propensity for abuse will always be with us. As a society, it is imperative that we be aware of this fact and take steps to prevent it.

The implementation of Children First, the guidelines on the protection and welfare of children, is essential. In all institutions that care for people with intellectual disabilities, two adults must always be present when the children and adults with intellectual disabilities are being cared for. This would have a cost implication but it must be implemented if we are to pay the report our full attention instead of just lip-service. Many residential institutions follow this process, but all must do so if the most vulnerable are to be protected from the ravages of sexual, emotional and physical abuse. External vigilance must be the order of the day.

I commend the courage of every victim of residential institutional abuse. As a Deputy, I am sorry for what happened to them while they were in the State's care. Our country failed them at their moment of need. We must ensure we do not fail anyone currently in residential care.

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