Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Tánaiste for his response and welcome his comments on such acts being a crime against children. Following this report, those of us in this State must improve child protection measures presented in the seven and a half page report. Does the Tánaiste accept this is about victims and their families, who need genuine support, compassion and practical action from the State? On the broader issue of child sexual abuse, how does the Tánaiste plan to deal with the sexual abuse cases which occur in broader society, with some saying in the region of 90% of all child sexual abuse happens in families, among relations and neighbours and in the wider community? How will the Government help and protect those children from such abuse?

Will the children's rights referendum deal comprehensively with children at risk in the family environment, which is a crucial aspect of 90% of child abuse cases? There is an untold story in this issue, which is the sexual abuse of children with an intellectual disability. Will the Government be a voice for those children? The Tánaiste has said this report has nothing to do with the Government but I ask him not to dismantle child protection services in the name of austerity in the current economic climate.

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