Alex White (Labour)

Like others, I support the proposal that the period of time afforded to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse be extended for the period suggested. It is appropriate that this be done and the time suggested is not unreasonable, notwithstanding what others have said about the length of time the deliberations have taken to date.

I thank the Minister of State for the details provided in his contribution to this short debate. He has gone as far as he can to put Members in the picture regarding the current state of play with the commission. It is appropriate that this be done. Often, when asked to extend the period of time given to other bodies, it is as much our fault as that of anyone else but we are inclined to let these matters pass quickly and with a nod. It is appropriate, therefore, that short debates such as this take place and that the appropriate Minister should come into to the House to put us in the picture.

We will have the opportunity to engage in a full debate on the findings of the commission in due course. We are reminded by recent events that there is considerable abuse other than in institutions, with which the commission principally deals. We have had a stark reminder in recent days that there is considerable abuse in the family home. As others have said, it is important that the commission have the opportunity to finish its work. Those undertaking it have considerable expertise, are persons of renown and have a considerable reputation. They include Mr. Justice Seán Ryan. I note that his predecessor, Ms Justice Laffoy, did not have a happy experience in the early stages of the commission. I hope the institutions involved and the Department have given their full co-operation to it, as we expect nothing less. There were question marks against this in the early days but I believe the matter has been resolved.

One of the attractions of the commission is that it is not characterised by adversarial presentations or the cross-examination of persons appearing before it. It is more akin to a truth commission in the way we have become familiar with them in other countries. On behalf of the Labour Party, I agree to the reasonable extension proposed until May for the completion of the report of the commission and look forward to its publication and our debate on it.