Written answers

Thursday, 2 July 2009

Department of Education and Science

Institutional Child Abuse

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the matters discussed at his meeting on 3 June 2009, with eight groups representing victims of child abuse in institutions run by religious orders; his plans to meet the group again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26673/09]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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On Wednesday 3rd June the Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen TD, along with myself and other Cabinet colleagues met with survivors groups to begin the process of discussion of the issues arising from the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.

The Taoiseach reiterated the apology issued to survivors by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, TD, and conveyed directly and personally a sincere apology, on behalf of the Government, of the State and of all our citizens, for the failure to intervene, to detect their pain or to come to their rescue. The representatives were told that the needs of survivors of abuse are a particular priority of the Government at this time.

The Taoiseach pointed out that the Government have accepted all of the recommendations of the Commission and are committed to their full implementation. Mr Cowen also referred to the fact that the Government had called on representatives of the religious Congregations concerned to make further substantial contributions by way of reparation.

The Taoiseach also stressed that those who perpetrated crimes against survivors, no matter how long ago, must be made amenable to the law so that they can be held to account for such crimes. He added that an Assistant Garda Commissioner has been tasked with examining the totality of the Commission Report and that criminal investigations are continuing in respect of a significant number of people.

The Taoiseach told those present that Minister Barry Andrews will bring to Government before the end of July a comprehensive implementation plan to put in place the recommendations of the report.

As well as listening to the issues raised by survivor groups at the meeting, each group was asked to make a submission outlining the needs of survivors going forward. All of the issues raised, together with the recommendations of the Report, will be considered in full by the Government.

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