Seanad debates

Wednesday, 8 October 2003

Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse: Statements (Resumed).

 

We have seen instances of sexual abuse against children in many different sporting organisations. As a result of what happened and even though a tiny minority was at fault, many people have withdrawn from giving community service for fear that they may also be tarred with the same brush. If Members think I exaggerate, we should keep our ears a little closer to the ground and understand the way voluntarism has suffered in such a basic way. This is the case in rural and urban areas and the issue will continue to be erosive in the future. I suggest, therefore, that we refocus our attention on the victims, who are paramount, and the rights of the individuals responsible, which are also important. The idea of focusing only on religious orders and the suggestion that only people in religious life should be held accountable are not right.

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