Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I also intended to raise the issue mentioned by Deputy Gilmore. Is the Taoiseach in a position to indicate whether the report will be published before the Dáil goes into recess? There were reports that it was to be published either next week or the following week, towards the middle or end of June. Bearing in mind the matter's seriousness, it may have to be discussed again and it would be most unfortunate if it was published immediately following the Dáil going into recess, as we would not be able to address it until next September.

The all-party motion passed last week contained a provision in which the Government agreed it would look at an amendment to the residential redress board legislation to facilitate individuals who were victims of abuse making application for redress to that board in circumstances other than just "exceptional circumstances", as stated in the legislation. When will the Government make a decision on the matter?

As we are here today, a 74-year-old man is in the High Court trying to get the courts to determine his entitlement to have his claim for compensation made through the redress board. Victims of clerical and institutional abuse should not be placed in a position where they must do battle in the courts with the State or a State agency-----

See this speech in context