John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this important issue and on behalf of the Minister I thank him for his remarks. I will share the Senator's views with the Minister and he will share them with other relevant Ministers and the points raised will be addressed. Everyone has a deep appreciation of the harm that has been caused by the abuse of children and there is enormous popular support for the steps that have been taken to put comprehensive and robust protection arrangements in place. If there are lessons to be learned in this case by the agencies of the State and any private bodies involved, it is imperative that they be learned. The Minister and his colleagues are determined this will be the case and that is the reason the reviews mentioned are taking place. I reiterate the Minister's expressions of sympathy for all of those affected. He hopes they will be able to avail of the counselling services on offer.