Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My question is about the national review panel and its abject failure to complete and publish a report in a timely and efficient manner on the systematic rape of three young children. When the court case to try these crimes was concluded, Keith Burke was convicted of 23 of 39 sample charges of rape and buggery of the three children over a prolonged period between 2003 and 2007. Significantly, we know all of this not from any internal examination by Tusla or the HSE but from "RTÉ Investigates" and because the children, now young adults, were forced to give evidence when Mr. Burke pleaded not guilty. Consequent on the RTÉ programme which has become a familiar theme in the Dáil - a significant phenomenon in itself - questions were raised by other Deputies and me. Many fine words were used, including "courageous" and "brave" when referring to the children who are now young women, as well as "appalling" and "shocking" when referring to the crimes perpetrated.

The Taoiseach commended the bravery of Rachel, Sarah and Amy in telling their stories and said it would help others to come forward. They were fine words, but the reality has been confusion, obfuscation and delay. The Taoiseach's approach to date has not only added to the confusion, but he is also actively standing over a system that is failing the young women and utterly unaccountable. In one of his replies the Taoiseach stated an independent investigation would commence. He then told us that it had commenced and that it was nearing completion. He then told us that the fact there was a criminal trial in train impeded the investigation. The latter point is completely unacceptable and was pointed to by HIQA in a report commissioned by the Minister, Deputy Zappone, which clearly stated it was imperative that Tusla did not allow a criminal investigation to impede its statutory duty to protect and safeguard children. Two and half years later, we have no report, despite assurances that it would be published in October and November. The Government is standing over a review mechanism which, using the most benign interpretation, is tardy and inefficient. A more realistic and honest view is that the situation is perpetuating the abuse suffered by the children. When will the report be published? What is the reason for the delay?

I ask the Taoiseach to reply in the context of what a former chairman of the United Nations Human Rights Committee stated - that it was time the State stopped its automatic response to every scandal, being first to deny, then delay, lie and cover up and eventually, if forced, throw some money at it in the hope it will go away. Will the Taoiseach, please, answer my direct question directly?

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