Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I call for a debate in the new year on issues arising from the Listowel rape case and I add my voice to those expressing criticism and disgust at the behaviour of those who lined up outside the courtroom to shake hands with the perpetrator of the rape. We must all condemn the parish priest concerned, Father Seán Sheehy, who provided a character reference in most inappropriate terms for the perpetrator. As Senator Fitzgerald stated, the case raises serious issues about the conduct of persons in the courtroom and the Courts Service has to respond. There is disagreement on who is responsible for a convicted offender who is in custody. Questions need to be answered on this.

Unfortunately, 2009 has been a year of horrendous revelations about the incidence of sex abuse in Ireland. In that context I welcome yesterday's resignation of Bishop Donal Murray. It was important that he resigned given the findings of the Murphy report that his behaviour was inexcusable. The further conviction of Father Naughton this week on sex abuse charges reminds us that the inaction of those in authority in the church enabled abusers to continue to abuse in many locations over many years. Further resignations are important to ensure accountability for the inaction of those in authority in the church. It appears the Catholic Church has learned very little in respect of siding with the powerful against the victims of sex abuse and rape. I again call for a debate on the wider issue of the position of the Catholic Church and other churches in Irish society, and the need to look at our education system and remove church control from our national schools in particular.

I would like a debate in the new year on an aspect of the budget that is causing immense concern in disadvantaged communities, which is the closure of the community development projects, 30 of which have been deemed non-viable. In the season of goodwill, we need to think about the effect those closures are likely to have on the most disadvantaged communities. Coming from an institution that has been declared as non-viable by certain people, we might have some sympathy for those community groups.