Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I join my colleagues from both sides of the House in expressing my revulsion and horror at the happenings outlined in such stark detail in the Ryan report. This report has opened the eyes of many people to what was not known to exist in such fearsome detail. The brave ladies who called on Deputy Micheál Martin's office ten years ago deserve the thanks and praise of the nation. Their bravery and the bravery of those who have told their stories publicly in recent years is an example to our society of what matters. That is the whole truth and something one need not fear because the truth, which is always a cleansing agent, is important for the soul of the nation.

The scale of the abuse which took place was horrendous and unknown to us. Responsibility lies not only on the shoulders of those who perpetrated acts of abuse but also on the shoulders of those in authority - church and State - who were aware for years of the wrongdoing of the perpetrators but chose to ignore it. That responsibility remains on all of those who are still alive, who should be made pay for their irresponsibility or criminal acts. The many perpetrators and their superiors who have died will have had to answer to their god.

At long last, the broader church, through the cardinal and the archbishop and other bishops, have acknowledged responsibility for what took place over years. I regret, however, that they did not take this step many years ago as to have done so would have saved the reputation of many good members of the religious orders, brothers, nuns and sisters, who have had to endure a great deal of unjust taunts in recent years. The religious orders consist of more good people than bad.

Those who chose to ignore abuse may have greater responsibility than those who perpetrated it. The State has finally accepted its responsibility in the matter, which was not one-sided. The State also has a responsibility to the survivors and must help to lift the psychological, financial and sexual burden they have borne for many years. The victims of abuse require counselling and other forms of assistance. It is incumbent on the Government and the entire machinery of the State to help the survivors, many of whom are in the late stages of life, to find peace before the end of their days. As has been noted, the repercussions of abuse percolate through society and the families which have been burdened by it. It is important, therefore, that all those affected receive help.

One of the lessons we must learn from the Ryan report is that human nature does not change. Abuse has occurred for centuries and we are all aware of cases from media reports of cases of children being abused by people in sports clubs, youth clubs and so forth. It is vital, therefore, that procedures, guidelines and safeguards are in place to ensure people, young and old, are aware of the dangers. As Deputy O'Rourke noted, the Stay Safe programme should be taught to young children in primary and secondary schools. Given that many children do not receive guidance at home, it is imperative that the State intervenes to ensure children are advised of the dangers in the world outside.

I commend the many brave people who brought into the public domain information about the horrendous physical, psychological and sexual abuse carried out in the not too distant past. Ireland has been consumed with materialism in recent years but having had our eyes opened to the scale of the abuse that took place, this knowledge may bring home to us the true priorities in life. I join colleagues in congratulating Mr. Justice Ryan on carrying out such detailed work.

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