Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I appreciate the fact the recent publication of the six diocesan reviews has served as a very painful reminder to many victims of the abuse and cover-ups they suffered. However, in responding to the publication of these reviews, it is my view that it would be rash and ill-considered to immediately establish a new commission of inquiry, as the Deputy suggests, when we know an audit of all 24 dioceses is imminent, which will undoubtedly inform us how better to proceed. While I am not ruling out further investigations, I would make the point that, here in Ireland, 1,000 victims have told their story very poignantly to the confidential committee of the Ryan report, the most extensive listening exercise done within Europe, I would suggest, in regard to victims of abuse. That has been very important. I believe there is scope in the church and elsewhere to consider further how the experiences and the voices of victims can be heard, as they should be heard.

I acknowledge the great courage that victims of clerical abuse have shown in coming forward. If the Deputy's Government had published the reports and the audit, when it was done, the current audit which the HSE has done would have been available and up to date. It is delayed until the spring because it is important, when the report is published, that it gives an accurate, up-to-date picture, not an historical picture, of what the current situation is in regard to the audit of dioceses. For that reason, the HSE will extend its report to the spring to ensure it is not just an historical report but an up-to-date report. When I receive that, we will have a comprehensive picture of all of the dioceses. I will also be receiving, I hope, the work of other dioceses. The publication of reports on dioceses should not stop merely with the six dioceses; it should be comprehensive.

See this speech in context