Victims of clerical sex abuse in Dublin are meeting the Minister for Justice Mr McDowell today to discuss a possible inquiry into the matter.
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The Cabinet yesterday agreed to the establishment of a non-statutory inquiry into the handling of child sex abuse in the Diocese of Ferns.
Victims of abuse in this diocese were met the Minister for Health and Children Mr Martin this morning to discuss the terms of reference for the new inquiry.
Speaking to the Dáil yesterday, the Taoiseach said that "the law of the land applies to all - irrespective of what status they hold".
Announcing that a decision on an inquiry into clerical sex abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese would be taken in days, Mr Ahern described child sexual abuse as "abhorrent". He added: "This is doubly so when those who perpetrate it are abusing a position of trust, which is why revulsion at clerical sex abuse runs so deep in the community."
Mr Colm O'Gorman, Director of One in Four, a support group for victims of sexual abuse, said this morning he believed a statutory inquiry was needed into abuse in the Dublin diocese.
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He said a non-statutory inquiry, such as that set up for the Diocese of Ferns, would work there "given the high level of co-operation being shown by Bishop Eamon Walsh and the Diocese down there.
"That certainly wouldn't work in Dublin," he added.
Speaking on Morning Ireland, before going into the meeting with Mr McDowell, Mr Gorman added: "I am satisfied with the response of the Government so far, and with the fact that the Government wants to take a reasoned approach to this."
The meeting follows recent revelations on RTE's Prime Timeprogramme about the handling of sexual abuse in the Dublin diocese.
The Eastern Health Board has opened a free phone line for victims, operating today and tomorrow. The number is 1800 45 45 00.