Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

As Deputy Adams will be aware, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade met the Papal Nuncio, Dr. Giuseppe Leanza, on 14 July 2011 to convey the consideration and concerns of the Government arising from the Cloyne report. The church authorities will also have noted the discussion in this House of the report on 20 July.

I have not had any contact with the church authorities in Ireland or the Holy See in the matter in the intervening period. The response of the Holy See to the Government, appropriately addressed to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, was received on 3 September.

I accept the testimony of Cardinal Sean Brady that the statement from the Holy See was "carefully prepared and respectfully presented." I acknowledge that the response, as described by the Cardinal, conveys the profound abhorrence of the Holy See for the crime of sexual abuse and its sorrow and shame for the terrible sufferings which the victims of abuse and their families have endured. I appreciate the acknowledgement by the Holy See that it is "sorry and ashamed" for the terrible suffering of victims of child abuse in Ireland and their families and the acceptance of "grave failures" over the handling of the child sex abuse scandal.

I am aware that many people were disappointed that elements of the argumentation advanced by the Holy See in its response were technical and legalistic, rather than focused exclusively to the Government's concerns about the welfare of children. Nonetheless, I am satisfied that the response from the Holy See is of value in coming to terms with the sad history of abuse and the inadequate handling of cases.

The Holy See has suggested that the way forward is through continuing dialogue and co-operation. The Government will insist on arrangements that ensure, as far as possible, the safety from abuse of children. With confidence, I require and expect to have the complete and unreserved co-operation of the church authorities and everyone in our society to that end.

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