It is worth stating the issue of sacerdotal privilege has never arisen with regard to the offences prescribed by the 2006 Act, nor in relation to the offences in the Bill currently covered by the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998. It should be borne in mind that the issue of confession does not arise in the many cases of criminal offences identified in the Ryan, Murphy or Cloyne reports which all relate to complaints of abuse made to the church authorities by the victims or family members or members of the public. Nor, as far we know, is it an issue with regard to the reprehensible activities of the late Fr. Brendan Smyth and many of the other priests who have during the past two decades been convicted and sentenced in the State for child abuse. I am sure this House will be more informed in its discussions on this aspect of the Bill than certain sections of the media which in the context of the Bill have obsessed on the issue and largely ignored the substance of its provisions and the crucial role it will play not only in investigations into child abuse but also in child protection.