Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising what is a very serious issue. I agree with her about the work of the Ryan brothers, in particular, as a catalyst for the decision by the Minister, Deputy Norma Foley, to set up the scoping inquiry which led to the Minister, Deputy Helen McEntee, yesterday bringing to Government proposals for the establishment of a commission of investigation into the handling of historical child sexual abuse in schools. Yesterday the Government agreed to the appointment of Mr. Justice Michael McGrath, a judge at the Court of Appeal, as chair of the commission. The principal recommendation of the scoping inquiry was to establish such a commission. There will be a period of consultation prior to formal commencement. When the commission is ready to hear from those who wish to contribute to its work, it will be widely advertised.

We have also accepted further recommendations of the scoping inquiry with regard to the remit of the commission, child protection issues, the legal system and memorialisation. It is clear from the scoping inquiry that many survivors view financial redress as an important measure of accountability for those who ran schools where sexual abuse happened. The Government is pursuing a very detailed examination to ensure that those responsible, including religious orders, are held accountable and make redress. The Office of the Attorney General with the Department of education and other relevant bodies is examining legal options that may be available to the State. We are examining changes to the Statute of Limitations on civil claims and changes to the status of unincorporated associations, as well as looking at the assets that religious orders have. An examination of how to ensure compensation from religious orders will run in parallel with the commission of investigation. It is complex work, will require detailed consideration and may take some time to complete. We will be open to engaging with the Deputy on any constructive proposals she has on this.

Back in the late 1990s we amended the Statute of Limitations but it is acknowledged that more is needed. Some of the survivors' accounts in the scoping inquiry were quite horrific. Many of them were very clear that they want those who were responsible to be accountable and to contribute - more than contribute.

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