Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The State did not introduce such legislation because it took in good faith what was stated in the framework document. That was the failing. We must ensure that we have a structure of laws in place which truly protects our children and imposes obligations on those who learn that children have been abused or are at risk of being abused to report this to the Garda Síochána to ensure investigations take place and action is taken to protect children.

As a State, we cannot sustain a position where individuals are known to be abusing children and are left free to abuse children. The Taoiseach referred in his speech to the rape and torture of children. For some of us who have worked in this area for so many years and who use the phrase "child abuse", the reality is that the description is too clinical. It does not tell the true story. The Cloyne report discloses a litany of rape, abuse and torture of children that should have been reported to civil authorities and was not. It is right that this House joins in expressing a view on it. It is also right that, with a new Government, we vigorously implement the new child protection guidelines and procedures that have been long promised and long required. More has been done in the past four months in that area than has been done in the previous 14 years and by the time we get to the end of the year we will have a robust legal system to address this area.

I hope that as a result of the Cloyne report, those genuinely concerned about this in the church will enable the guidelines to be fully implemented. I praise Archbishop Martin in this context. I wish Ian Elliott well in the work he is doing and it is an unfortunate error that Bishop Magee has failed to publicly respond to the report published. It is unfortunate he has disappeared and there is a serious misjudgment in the papal nuncio leaving this country. It is of great importance that, without further undue delay, the Vatican responds in substance to this report and gives the people of this country the assurance they require that in future the protection of our children will be the priority.