Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I cannot anticipate the outcome of a meeting yet to be held. As the Deputy knows, the Minister of State with responsibility for children and youth affairs, Deputy Andrews, has been given the task, on behalf of the Government, of coming forward with the response of Government to the detailed recommendations in the Ryan report. The separate issue regarding the moral obligation on congregations to come forward further to meet the responsibilities is an ongoing matter, one that I have outlined by way of statement. A clear, unanimous motion of the House informs that debate. While today may not be a deadline, I expect progress to be made on the issue.

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