Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I, too, wish the Taoiseach well in his endeavours on our behalf. I have no doubt he will do a very good job. His words in the Dáil last night were absolutely phenomenal. He proved his finger is completely on the pulse of this great country and its great people. He understands the absolute horror people feel over what occurred in the Catholic Church. I am a practising Catholic and hold my head in shame because of what has happened in the church and because certain individuals have completely betrayed the trust placed in them on account of their positions in society. The best thing that could happen at this stage is for the entire hierarchy to consider their positions, resign and allow a new team of people whose integrity is not impugned in any way to take on the leadership of the church.

I would not like to see the prayer removed from the beginning of proceedings in this House. It is an easy target. It may be symbolic in certain respects and I can understand why people would suggest its removal, but one must consider the overall context.