Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

As I already explained, if the previous Ministers had published this report earlier, as they said they would, we would not be in this situation. The reason I am in this position regarding the publication of the report is that a range of changes have been implemented, which were outlined in the dioceses report. To have an up-to-date report from the HSE that is relevant and speaks to the present as opposed to the past, I am informed by the director of children and family services in the HSE that more time is required to get the type of information that will ensure the report is up to date. In addition, from a legal point of view, one does not wish to publish a report that does not reflect the changes made in recent times. In the discussions he is having in the course of carrying out this audit it has become clear to the national director that he needs further time to have a report that reflects current practice, is up to date, reflects the changes that have been made and to ensure that he is reporting accurately on the dioceses with regard to child protection. For those reasons he said he needs extra time. Legally it makes sense to do that because it will be a more accurate report.

I cannot take responsibility for the fact that the previous Government did not publish the report over a five to six year period. What is surprising is that it did not publish it. I must ensure that the report is accurate, up to date and reflects the current situation, in so far as possible. That is why the extra time has been requested and it is reasonable that the time should be given. This has emerged since I first answered the question to which the Deputy referred. This information is new and having received it, it is appropriate to give enough time to ensure we have a comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date report.

See this speech in context