M J Nolan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

The Minister feels it is premature at this stage and he wants more time with it; I have to accept that.

The Ryan report gave us a shocking insight into what went on in our institutions. Following on that 20 recommendations were made of which the Government has accepted 15 and an apology was issued by the former Taoiseach in 1999 to all those who suffered child abuse. I am glad to note that the victims' groups are in ongoing negotiations with the Taoiseach and the Minister and it is good to see that the religious orders have accepted their part in this and will bring new proposals to the Government on their contribution towards the fund.

Most of the individuals are now grown up men and women and they have been scarred for life. I have met several of them and it is good to see that some restitution has been afforded to them. I hope this process will not become another cash cow for our legal profession. We saw what happened in the past with the Army deafness claims and what is going on at the tribunals, which is nothing short of scandalous. I would not like to see this dreadful situation being used by members of the legal profession as a cash cow to fill their coffers; they are not the victims and they should not abuse people who have already been abused.

While what has happened is unforgivable we should not forget that we have a part to play in it. It has three aspects: the victims' groups, the religious institutions and the Government, which is acting on behalf of the victims. I would like to see a speedy conclusion to all aspects of it so these individuals can get on with a life which has already been scarred by what has happened.

See this speech in context