Seanad debates
Wednesday, 8 October 2003
Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse: Statements (Resumed).
Other speakers yesterday, particularly Progressive Democrats Members, spoke about the delays associated with the legal procedure. They conveniently forgot to mention the delays associated with the non-provision of resources by the Department. I was particularly struck by the contribution of Senator Maurice Hayes, which was the best contribution I have heard in this House on any issue. I urge Senators from the Government parties to consider what he said. He outlined the moral obligation on the religious orders in this matter. A sum of €127 million is being contributed by the orders but, although the deal has been done, there is a moral obligation on them to look again at the contribution they are making. I do not believe that the religious orders should be bankrupted. That was an outrageous statement. However, they must make a more realistic contribution to the overall cost of the commission.
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