Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

On 23 November last, the Taoiseach agreed to meet Opposition leaders to discuss demands for an independent inquiry into sexual abuse allegations in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. At the time the Taoiseach said the meeting would be held before Christmas. I asked the Taoiseach for this meeting again in January. Again, the Taoiseach gave a commitment. I raised the issue in March yet again. For the third time, the Taoiseach agreed to a meeting but so far no meeting has taken place. It is six months since the Oireachtas inquiry referendum was defeated. Last week, I received an answer to a parliamentary question from the Minister, Deputy Reilly, informing me that he is still consulting the Attorney General about the implications. It has been 17 years since the complaints of sexual abuse of patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda were first made. Every time these issues are raised without being brought to a conclusion the victims are traumatised.

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