Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senators Mullen and Bacik that it would be desirable and helpful to have a substantive debate on the broader issue of the child sex abuse scandal and the introduction of appropriate Government legislation. I, too, attended yesterday's meeting of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality at which the question of mandatory reporting and the withholding Bill were discussed with various interest groups.

For me, what stood out once again, notwithstanding that arising from the meeting more questions than answers remained, is the need for us to reflect on the stark figures which clearly show that the vast majority of children are not sexually abused behind the altar in the church, by coaches in a GAA club or in swimming clubs but by family members in the family home. This silent and secret abuse requires a strong and coherent response from Government. This issue must be an integral part of our debate in the new year. It is not alone appropriate but essential that we discuss and make recommendations on issues arising from the various sex abuse scandals in the church. We must remember that in broader society - the facts speak for themselves and cannot be ignored - the majority of child sex abuse occurs in the family home. This must be ventilated and responded to. This issue was referred to yesterday as the silent and secret side of the scandal. This is not going to go away and needs to be at the very core of our debate.