Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Carrigan commission in 1930 drew attention to the increase in recorded sexual abuse; and the reason action was not taken by his Department at that time. [23407/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Carrigan Committee, established in 1930, considered whether criminal law then in force relating to sexual offences was adequate or required modification. As part of its deliberations it considered the level of sexual abuse, but did not specifically consider residential institutions. Its report was completed in 1931, but was not published. The report ultimately led to enactment of the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1935, which strengthened the relevant law, particularly as regards the protection of young girls and against prostitution and brothels.

The Government has accepted all the recommendations of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, including the recommendation that it admit that abuse of children occurred because of the failures of systems and policy, of management and administration and of senior personnel who were concerned with industrial and reformatory schools. The Government is committed to the full implementation of the recommendations, and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is developing a plan for their implementation. Criminal investigations are continuing in respect of a significant number of people, and an Assistant Garda Commissioner has been appointed to examine the totality of the report in relation to other possible criminal proceedings.