John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

——Senator Brian Hayes, together with Senators O'Toole, Ryan, Ormonde, Kitt, Jim Walsh and Browne, raised matters relating to the Department of Education and Science. The Senators referred to the correspondence to the families of the victims of abuse and the matter of class sizes, and called for a debate on these issues. I am sure both issues could be encompassed within a debate. I will attempt to get the Minister to come to the House.

As I said last week, it is important that we would have clarity on the issue with regard to the victims. The person who can provide that clarity is the Minister. I agree that legal advice, which I am sure is given in good faith, can sometimes lead people to make decisions which, on a humanitarian basis, they possibly should not make.

I do not believe there is any question of property being put at risk. All of us who were members of local authorities can recall times when we were told our property would be put at risk if the local authorities were sued. To my knowledge, it never happened. It is obviously a very serious matter and one that deserves to be clarified. I am sure the Minister is anxious to clarify it. If we can find time for her to come to the House, we will arrange it.

Incidentally, I reject the proposition that religious orders are somehow more important than children. That is not the case. Children are of course more important.