John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with the sentiments expressed by colleagues about the startling revelations and the shocking and sickening litany of abuses outlined in the Murphy report. Many of the revelations to which I refer would have previously been in the public domain. However, their being catalogued together highlights a system of abuse that reaches into not just the church authorities but also those of the State. It appears certain individuals within the Garda Síochána turned a blind eye to allegations of abuse. Any discussion we have on the report should focus on that aspect as well as on the culpability of members of the hierarchy, and undoubtedly some culpability rests with them.

I second Senator Fitzgerald's amendment to the Order of Business that we have a discussion on flooding today. Last week-----