Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. It is difficult to adequately express in words the sadness and shame I felt on reading the Ryan report, which highlights one of the darkest and upsetting periods in our history. As a citizen, I feel ashamed that we, as a nation, could allow the perpetration of widespread, long-term abuse on some of our most vulnerable young people while in the guardianship of the State.

As Deputy Michael Ahern stated, great credit is due to those who were willing to speak about their personal experiences and bring information about them into the public domain. Given the private nature of their experiences, it must have been difficult for victims to speak out about such events in an open manner. In publicly discussing their experiences, they have, however, done the country a service in showing how people can set aside their humanity and behave in the most awful manner.

The Ryan report documents a shameful catalogue of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect which was permitted to continue for decades. Earlier today, a man named Andy Smith related to me his experiences in the Daingean reformatory school. People descended to committing acts of depravity and while we would like to believe we are above such behaviour, I am not sure that is true. In the right circumstances people are able to set aside their humanity without difficulty.

The abusers were sheltered by a culture of silence and denial and children who spoke out were disbelieved and accused of telling lies. I listened to Mr. Michael O'Brien, a victim of abuse, tell his story on the "Questions and Answers" programme and was struck by his honesty and bravery. His account of the abuse perpetrated against him as a young boy drove home to me and the entire nation that there are people among us who still live with the horrors inflicted on them. Nothing can make up for the abuse suffered by Michael O'Brien, Andy Smith and many others like them. Nothing will ever take away the nightmares they have and the fear and emotional problems they endure. We must do everything in our power to ensure some measure of justice is granted to them.

While I understand the indemnity deal concluded in 2002 cannot be reopened, the religious orders must act on the commitment they gave to establish an additional fund to compensate victims of abuse. It was disappointing, to say the least, to learn that in some cases the religious orders had not met the funding commitment they gave in 2002. They must act without reservation to prove they are genuinely committed to helping those who were seriously mistreated in their care. Apologising is the easy part; apologies must be sincere, genuine and backed up by action.

The Government also has a pivotal role to play. We must show our commitment to the victims of abuse and future generations of young people by implementing immediately the recommendations of the Ryan report. Appropriate structures and resources need to be put in place to ensure the safeguarding of children and we must always remain vigilant in this regard to ensure that we do not come remotely close to allowing anything like this happen again.

My school days, like those of Deputy Kennedy, were pleasant. I have pleasant memories of Willow Park and of Newpark comprehensive school. All children should be entitled to happy school days and happy memories of school. It is essential that as a society we ensure that our children feel safe and happy going to and coming home from school.

We must accept that these abusers could not have acted as they did were it not for the systemic failures of the State and church in meeting their responsibilities. I would ask that we closely examine our care system to ensure that the needs of our children are the priority. Supervision, transparency and, as Deputy Michael Ahern stated, openness must be always at the forefront in our child care system.

It is a wonderful experience watching my children going to school happy. Education must be about the enjoyment of learning. They come home happy and they go to school happy.

I commend the Taoiseach and the other members of the Cabinet on their actions so far and I welcome the proactive approach they have shown by meeting with both the victims of abuse and the religious orders. These meetings were a step in the right direction but it is important that the momentum is not allowed to wane. We must maintain this momentum because this issue is just too important to be sidelined.

Trust in the religious orders has been severely eroded, not only because of this report but because of other reports of abuse that have come to light in recent years. However, I want to take this opportunity to put on record that while some individuals in the religious orders took part in this abuse and many others are just as guilty, in my opinion, as they allowed it happen by standing by and not intervening, we must recognise that there are good people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference for younger people and their community and it must devastate them to read this damning report on their peers. We cannot tar everybody with the same brush. During the summer I was in the Gambia where I met with an Irish bishop of the Holy Ghost order who was continuing to make a significant difference to his adopted community.

Archbishop Martin stated this week that Pope Benedict XVI was visibly upset by accounts contained in the Ryan report. I am heartened to hear that the Pope has urged justice to be done for all the victims. I sincerely hope that these words will not ring hollow over the coming months and years. Both church and State now have an opportunity to right the wrong that has been done and if we act accordingly, we may also at least be able to hold our heads up in years to come and state we did all we could to make up for the horrors suffered by countless young people.

Yesterday's march of solidarity saw thousands of people gather outside to show their support for the victims of these abuses. The dignity with which they conducted themselves was astounding. I only hope that we can follow their example of honesty and bravery and ensure that the right action is taken now.

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