Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Taoiseach is aware, the European Court of Human Rights, ECHR, this morning announced its decision in favour of Ms Louise O'Keeffe, who believed that the State was liable for sexual abuse that she suffered while a pupil of Dunderrow primary school in 1973. We are all aware that these matters were considered by the High Court and Supreme Court, which dismissed her claim that the State was liable. Today's ruling will have significant implications for other victims of abuse in Irish schools. Apparently, there are approximately 135 cases pending. Will the Government apologise to Ms O'Keeffe for her dreadful experiences? Does the Taoiseach intend to introduce legislation to address the issues that arise out of the O'Keeffe finding?

During this weekend, we read of the intention of Mr. Justice Peter Kelly of the Commercial Court to retire mid-year before the pension changes are introduced. It has been widely reported that we may expect a greater exodus from the Bench in the near future. Has the Government planned for this mass exodus of expertise from the High Court-----

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