Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes mentioned the Supreme Court ruling which astounded everybody who read it. He referred to young women in predatory relationships and that also relates to young boys. There was a case in the United Kingdom concerning a teacher who subsequently went to jail after appearing in court charged with having an improper relationship with one of her students. Later on, however, she married that young student. Yesterday's ruling must be addressed urgently because what could and, I am sure, will happen is wide open now. I take the Senator's point and I note the Minister said he was reviewing the ruling with urgency and would act accordingly. Everybody is interested in what has happened and is determined that there should be a new decision on the matter.

Senator O'Toole referred to the link between a Christian Brother at the redress board and his work with the Marino Institute. We all want to see young people who have been abused in reformatories and schools receiving redress. Nonetheless, I have always been worried that an entire order of nuns or brothers would be included, as if all of them had been acting in a nefarious fashion. It is wrong to do so because, while wrong things were done by some members of the clergy, we should not cloud every priest, brother or nun with the same bad aura, as if they had all been involved. We have dealt with the matter through redress boards and in other ways. In addition, the Taoiseach has issued an apology in this regard. It is a pity that so much good work by the religious is overlooked. Without their contribution, so many people would not have received an education and a good start in life, when free schooling was not available. The good work of the clergy can be brushed to one side, while the "baddies" are highlighted all the time. Redress must come about, however.

I heard what this particular Christian Brother said quite clearly. He did not say that everybody who went to the redress board did so for financial gain, but said there was an element who did. I do not know enough about the matter to know if that was so. For some time, I have felt a great sense of unease about cloaking everybody in the same bad aura.

Senator O'Toole also referred to the plebiscite in Dingle on which there were interesting developments at the weekend. The plebiscite will be held but on the "Politics Programme" the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, said he understood Senator O'Toole had tabled an amendment to a Bill. The Minister did not refer to Senator Coghlan's Bill but said he wanted the amendment to be moved so that he could discuss it in this House. I suppose we must await the outcome of the plebiscite before we can move further on that matter but as soon as it emerges we should do so.

Senator Ryan asked about the priorities of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. He also wants the Taoiseach to amend his website to state that James Connolly founded the Labour Party, which he did indeed. I will mention that to the Taoiseach.