Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

I am delighted to speak on the Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012. I welcome some of the comments that have been made by the Minister. The report that was published last week, like the other reports of recent years, reminds us that we cannot leave any stone unturned as we try to ensure there is no ambiguity about the fact that those who might wish to evade prosecution, having failed to pass on certain information, cannot be allowed to find a hiding place in this country. Regardless of how slight one might think that information is, one must understand that one has a clear responsibility to pass it on. If one does not do so, one will be open to being questioned, charged, arraigned and brought to court - if not necessarily found guilty - and it will be up to the court to determine whether one had the right or privilege to withhold the information in question. If charges of any kind are brought, one cannot be under any illusions about what one failed to do.

Many reports have been produced over the past decade or more. As public representatives, we often hear harrowing tales when we meet victims, families and support groups. Some people are not members of support groups and are not looking for any financial compensation. I was interested - perhaps that is the wrong word - to meet a non-aligned group of people from several denominations last week. They made it clear to me that this is not confined to the Catholic Church. Many people, including me, were or are of the opinion that it is confined to the Catholic Church. I was told by the group that made the submission in question that this is far from the truth. We know now that it crosses all divides, religious or otherwise. There is evidence of that throughout the world. That does not lessen or make easier the horrific acts perpetrated against juveniles and against the human being. No effort should be spared to deal with such cases. In that context, I commend the Government for bringing forward this legislation.

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