John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)

First, I remind Members that a recent Amnesty International report described the violations against children that have taken place in this country as some of the greatest human rights violations in the history of this State, which satisfy the definitions of torture, slavery and cruel and inhumane treatment as laid down under international law. At the outset, I welcome any move the State makes to acknowledge and face up to the terrible suffering and trauma endured by so many at the hands of church officials. For instance, the provision of counselling and education could be of great help and comfort and the tracing service provided by Barnardos has made a real difference to many people. However, like many other Members, I am concerned the Minister has not adequately ironed out all of the concerns of the representative groups prior to bringing forward this legislation.

This new fund will replace the Education Finance Board, which was founded at the time of the 2002 agreement. A number of survivors who have been in contact with me - I note some from my constituency are present today - are concerned that the framework will not cater adequately for the needs of children and grandchildren who have been availing of assistance through the education system. This is a source of great worry for many people and must be addressed.

In addition, research by the National Suicide Research Foundation has noted that interaction with family members is a key factor in ensuring survivors do not commit suicide, which is a huge issue for many of those who have been affected by such horrendous crimes.. Moreover, front line workers will confirm the great significance of the inter-generational effect institutional abuse has had on many families in Ireland. Consequently, it is deeply regrettable that the Government has decided to remove family members from access to the education fund and this decision should be reviewed. It is a poor decision to make because many family members who were not directly affected by abuse are now affected because of what has happened. Last year, just under 22% of the applicants in receipt of grants were former residents and almost 74% were relatives, of whom 47.6% were children and a further 26.2% were grandchildren of former residents. The previous arrangement allowed these victims to at least provide their children or grandchildren with what they themselves were denied, namely, an education of choice. The Government should reconsider this provision.

In addition, there has been significant recent media attention on the massive shortfall in the compensation fund since the 2009 Ryan report revealed the shocking extent of decades-long sexual, physical and psychological abuse of the most vulnerable in institutions. It is scandalous that the church still is not shouldering its share of the costs of responding to the horrendous wrongs suffered by these children. While I compliment the Tánaiste on his decision to close the Vatican embassy, it is regrettable it was closed for cost cutting reasons. As I stated previously when the Tánaiste announced the closure of this embassy, it should have been closed and the Papal Nuncio sent packing because of the Vatican's interference in this State.

It adds insult to injury to those affected by institutional abuse that under one fifth of the promised amount, €21.05 million, has been received to date. A number of congregations previously advised that they would make their contributions once they had sight of the proposals for the fund. Have further moneys been forthcoming since this Bill was published? Is the €21 million paid thus far sufficient to enable establishment of the fund and to commence its work of supporting survivors? Will the Government be making an annual supplement to the fund to ensure its longevity for as long as the survivors need it? It is important that there is continuous funding available to the families and survivors for the remainder of their lives. The Government needs to put some thought into this.

The deferential treatment shown by members of the Garda Síochána to priests and bishops accused of abuse in Irish institutions is one of the most shameful incidents of criminality in the history of our State. Every file referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions alleging abuse by clergy and the religious needs be reopened and re-examined to ensure no incident of clerical child abuse goes unaddressed. The Government should prior to the passage of this Bill give a commitment that this will be done. State reluctance to prosecute those who turned a blind eye to abuse is one of the reasons child abuse remains a serious threat in this country, despite over a decade of inquires and reports revealing the suffering of tens of thousands of children at the hands of church and State.

I congratulate all those people around the country who have spoken out about the horrendous affects of abuse on their lives. It is traumatic for these people to have to speak about what happened to them and they should be treated with compassion and dignity by the Government, as promised by both parties prior to taking up office. There should be no arguing or haggling over funds. The congregations should be called to account to pay over every cent they promised. Also, the Government should over the next couple of months publicly call to account the congregations refusing to adhere to what they promised to do.

See this speech in context