Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I compliment the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, on a measured and sincere contribution. We owe it to the victims to take that approach at least. The rape and abuse of children are heinous and abhorrent crimes. In many instances, to deprive children of their innocence is to deprive them of their futures. I have seen the lifelong effects. They have had relationship difficulties, their sexual and personal development has been stunted, their faith has been undermined and, in many cases, they have committed suicide. Families have been sundered where these crimes are committed within the family. People in positions of trust in the church betray everything for which they stand when they abuse young children. Not only do they betray their responsibilities to the children, they also betray their faith, their vows of chastity and other believers. They are unfit to hold the sacred offices they have assumed.

I have reservations about the effort to lumber the Vatican with all of the blame. It is not without a degree of blame, as is the case with the hierarchy. However, if we are to resolve this issue in the interests of children and assuming there are no other agendas at play, we must focus on ensuring that the necessary cross-societal approach is taken.

The Ferns Report was published in 2005. I was familiar with many of the victims and some of the perpetrators. The report recommended mandatory reporting and an underpinning of the exchange of information on an interagency basis. Neither has been enacted. Current practice in the diocese of Ferns is for allegations and suspicions to be brought to an advisory panel first, then they are brought to an interagency committee comprising the Garda and the HSE after which they are brought to the attention of Mr. Ian Elliott's office, the National Board for Safeguarding Children. If they proceed subsequently, they are brought to the attention of the Holy See. If people are found guilty through the civil process, of which there have been a number of cases, they are automatically dismissed from the priesthood by the Vatican.

It is interesting that, when the State sought its records, it needed to ring the diocese to find out when the latter passed the information and to whom it was given. This shows the deficiencies within the system. I welcome the Minister's commitment on mandatory reporting and the underpinning of the exchange of information, as both are essential. It is invidious of the State to allow to continue a situation in which the Diocese of Ferns must act outside the law to get it right. If we are to put children first, we must get our own house in order. If we do, we can rightly and justifiably ensure that everyone else puts children first as well.