Imelda Henry (Fine Gael)

I second the motion.

The revelations contained in the Cloyne report are extremely disturbing. As the Minister stated, it was only possible for those revelations to be made because victims were courageous enough to come forward and relate their horrific stories of abuse. The Cloyne report is one of many that investigated the handling of allegations of child abuse by the church authorities. The Diocese of Cloyne did not implement the procedures set out in church protocols for dealing with allegations of child sexual abuse. It operated under a culture of unbelievable non-compliance with child-protection practice and reporting requirements.

The Catholic Church in Cloyne represented a danger to children. This could be the case in other diocese and that is why audits must be carried out and reports published as a matter of urgency. A timescale must be set down in respect of the latter. I welcome the Children First national guidance document, under which all organisations and individuals working with children will be required to share information with the statutory authorities where such information relates to child welfare or protection concerns. Failure to comply with aspects of Children First will give rise to a range of civil and criminal sanctions. This is a welcome development.

The behaviour of Bishop Magee, his disappearance and silence is disgraceful, particularly in view of the fact that serious allegations have been preferred against him. In order for the church to regain respect, Bishop Magee should return immediately in order to take the opportunity to explain to his congregation - and to the Irish people in general - the reason he did not adhere to guidelines laid down in respect of child sexual abuse. His doing so would also be of major benefit to the many fine priests in this country who have ministered, with humanity and care, to large sections of the community.

I compliment the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Fitzgerald, and the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, on dealing efficiently with the important aspects of Government policy. They have been put in a position where they can no longer accept the word of the church. The decision to recall the papal nuncio to the Vatican for consultations is a matter for the Holy See. I hope the papal nuncio, in his report to the Vatican, will explain how serious the people and the Government are about the dreadful way in which the church ignored warnings. When legislation is passed there will be no hiding place for bishops, priests or members of the laity of any denomination. Finally, I commend the Taoiseach, Deputy Kenny, on unequivocally stating the people's disdain for what happened in Cloyne.