Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I compliment the Leader on ordering the debate on the Murphy report for Thursday. It is essential that the voices of these Houses are heard in this regard. I agree with Senator John Paul Phelan that while much of the information was in the public domain previously, its compilation in one document sends shockwaves through reasonable people everywhere, who are appalled by it.

This underlines the need for the State to have robust and effective measures in place. In that regard, as a Christian and a Catholic, I believe in the whole tenet of penance and atonement. In such a capacity, I find myself in agreement with Senator Bacik about people in high places taking responsibility for either actions or inaction. However, as a politician, I am inclined to the view of Senator O'Toole that is not really for us to call on people to resign. We are not particularly good at it ourselves either, as a profession.