Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join Deputy Micheál Martin in condemning the senseless and brutal crimes we have seen in the past few days. We condemn them unreservedly. Although nothing we can say will bring Ana Kriegel or Jastine Valdez back, I hope we can provide some reassurance to the many young women and families out there who are scared and concerned. I particularly recognise An Garda Síochána for its very swift action in dealing with these two terrible crimes. I thank the Defence Forces and the Civil Defence for the assistance they gave the civil authorities. A Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, investigation is under way for reasons that people will understand. The Department of Justice and Equality is contacting the families with a view to assisting them. The Tánaiste has made contact with the Philippines embassy to see if there is any assistance we can provide. The National Educational Psychological Service has sent a team to Ana Kriegel's school to assist the children there for whom it must be a difficult and shocking time. This matter was discussed at Cabinet this morning.

In respect of the Louise O'Keeffe case, I assure the Deputy that the Government fully accepts the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights and is now implementing that decision. We will deal with it as sensitively as possible. Our interpretation of the judgment is that in order for us to be in a position to pay compensation and redress, there must have been a prior complaint. As the Deputy knows, as has been the case with so many other redress schemes, such as the symphysiotomy redress scheme - which I was involved in putting together - or the scheme we put in place for women who were residents in the Magdalen laundries, it is necessary in all cases that there be evidence. Redress is made based on evidence and that is the basis on which we are operating into the future. I know the Minister for Education and Skills is very engaged with and on top of this issue and has met people affected and people concerned. I know he will deal with it in a sensitive a manner as possible.

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