Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I have been very clear on this matter. The State's job is to ensure everybody is equal before the law and that applies to institutions and individuals. The State must also ensure that best practice in this entire area will be promoted in the future. From this and previous reports, we have confirmation that there was an horrific deficit of accountability and these matters were not handled properly. The reputation of institutions was held to be of higher priority than looking after children and ensuring that anybody who offended was dealt with by the law. That belongs to that era and needs to be recognised and accepted. Agencies of the State or people who acted on behalf of the State who similarly were less than proper or appropriate in how they dealt with these matters must be also apologised for and I do that unreservedly on behalf of the State.

It is for the individuals who are affected by the findings of this report and conclusions to consider in what way they can continue in whatever positions they hold. It is a matter for them to consider how that is to be dealt with within their own institutions. There are people considering this now in the context of the report and its implications. For my part, as Taoiseach, it is important to point out the State holds no brief and must ensure that everyone is amenable before the law. I will continue to state this openly and candidly. I hold no brief for anyone who has failed in his duty in this respect.

The question of what position individuals should hold within the Catholic Church or any other institution or denomination will have to be addressed through personal reflection and by those with whom they work and to whom they are beholden, including the members of the church and their peers in the clergy.

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