Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I concur with the words spoken on the Murphy report. I believe structural damage has been done to the whole church. I welcome the full day debate organised for Thursday. It is a shocking report and following from the Ryan report, I do not believe this is the end of it. Other dioceses must be properly examined.

I put on record that I hold a deep feeling of sadness for the hundreds, possibly thousands, of priests and other religious who are damaged by this report. In my home parish, my local priest broke down and cried on Sunday because he was so hurt and pained. Although what took place was inexcusable and criminal, there are hundreds and thousands of good people, priests and nuns who are seriously damaged by these reports and I feel sorry for them.

I call for a debate on the area of the rights of children. Almost five years ago, while I was Chairman of the Committee on the Constitution, we came to the unanimous conclusion that the rights of the child as enshrined within the family clause of the Constitution were not adequate. We should hold a referendum or if that is not necessary, fast-track legislation. Never before has the need been so acute arising from the Murphy report and the rights of children throughout our society must be fully protected. The level of support within our Constitution must be upgraded one way or another.

I raise the old chestnut of a debate on the fishing industry. Shortly, our Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries will go to Brussels on his annual visit to try to protect the Hague preferences and to get quota for our fishermen. This is an annual event, somewhat like going with a begging bowl. Thanks to the Leader, it was planned to hold the debate in the House on the week our former colleague and Senator, Peter Callinan died. The debate was postponed. I do not seek to reschedule it before Christmas because time is too short. However, I urge the Leader to arrange for a debate on the whole fishing industry at the earliest opportunity in 2010.