Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)

In terms of access to education for children with additional needs, I know Cara Darmody is speaking again today with Oireachtas Members about waiting lists for assessments for those with additional needs, and delays in accessing services and therapies. Will the Taoiseach confirm what extra capacity has been added to the system in recent months?

Second, I welcome the announcement that the Minister for education has today confirmed the establishment of a commission of investigation into historical sexual abuse in schools. I pay tribute to survivors like Mark and David Ryan, to Mary O'Toole for her scoping report and to all of those who came forward to share their experience of abuse and shine a light into the dark and shameful corner of our history of education.

I have two questions for the Taoiseach. First, what levers will he establish to ensure that religious institutions will pay their fair share of redress? We have a Labour Party Bill to remove legal obstacles to pursuing religious organisations and unincorporated associations. I will supply him with that, and he might consider taking it on board. Second, will he establish a parallel redress scheme for survivors, so they do not have to wait five years for the outcome of the report?

See this speech in context