Visit of German
Delegation.
An Cathaoirleach:
Before I call on the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, I
am sure Members would like to join me in welcoming a parliamentary
delegation from Germany, led by Mrs. Marion Caspers-Merk, who are
in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery.
On behalf of the
Members of Seanad Éireann, I wish you a warm welcome and
hope you enjoy your visit to Ireland.
Commission
to Inquire into Child Abuse: Statements.
Minister for
Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan): Ar dtús
báire ba mhaith liom leithscéal a ghabháil ar
son an Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta, Nollaig Ó
Díomasaigh, nach bhfuil ábalta a bheith anseo. Tá
lúcháir orm a bheith ar ais sa tSeanad agus fearaim
fáilte ar ais roimh na Seanadóirí.
I welcome the
opportunity to address the House on the Commission to Inquire into
Child Abuse and related issues. Much has been said and written,
especially in the past week, that attempts to portray the actions
of this Government in relation to its handling of the issue of
past childhood abuse as less than satisfactory. It is necessary,
therefore, to remind the House that this Government is the first
in the history of this State to listen to the victims of abuse, to
apologise to them on behalf of the State and to take positive
action to redress the wrongs inflicted on them in the past.
Mr. U. Burke:
It took 30 years.
Mary Coughlan:
The Taoiseach and the Minister for Education and Science have
previously expressed their regret at Ms Justice Laffoy's decision
to resign from her position as chairperson of the Commission to
Inquire into Child Abuse and have stated their appreciation of the
work she carried out over the last number of years. I wish to
place on record that I too regret that Ms Justice Laffoy has
decided to resign upon the publication of an interim report of the
commission which is expected in November. I thank her most
sincerely for the very important work she has carried out to date
and wish her well for the future.
The House will be
aware that the Government has appointed Mr. Sean Ryan S.C. as
chairperson designate of the commission. Mr. Ryan has a wealth of
experience from his practice of law and has very direct experience
of the issues relating to past child abuse having chaired the
Compensation Advisory Committee. This committee drew up
recommendations for financial awards to abuse victims under the
residential institutions redress scheme. Mr. Ryan also acted as
counsel to the Ferns inquiry. I am sure he will provide excellent
leadership and guidance to the commission in its important work.
Mr. Ryan's appointment can also be seen as a concrete sign of this
Government's commitment to ensuring the work of the commission is
completed, that victims of abuse are helped to find peace and
healing in their lives and that those responsible for abuse are
held accountable.
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