Dail Report: The Minister for Education has reassured victims of child abuse that they will be heard by the commission set up to investigate their allegations, writes Michael O'Regan
Mr Dempsey was replying to Labour's education spokeswoman, Ms Jan O'Sullivan, who urged him to issue a clarifying statement for survivors of abuse. "I think there is a great deal of public confusion out there," she said.
"Certainly, from the phone calls that I have got, and contacts I have had, people at this stage are very confused."
She asked why the Minister had not provided the extra resources for the commission, adding that there should be a Government commitment to providing them in the future.
Mr Dempsey said that, while he was not sure what Ms O'Sullivan had in mind, he would speak to her about it and reach an agreement on what could be done. "I have no difficulty, where there is doubt or where victims have been upset, in issuing a clarifying statement reassuring them that the commission will continue, the legislation is still in place, the chairman-designate is in place and will take over immediately from Miss Justice Laffoy, and there will be no difficulties during the transition," he added.
He said Miss Justice Laffoy had sought additional resources in June 2002, including an increase in staff from 38 to 79. "That was the subject of discussions with my Department until November," he added. "I brought the matter to the Government's attention when we were satisfied the additional staff and the method in which they would be deployed would be helpful.
"We suggested to her that she should be mindful of the fact we were conducting a review and she should consider recruiting staff on short-term contracts or roll them out over a period."
Earlier Mr Dempsey said he regretted that Miss Justice Laffoy had reached the conclusion that she could no longer continue as chairwoman of the commission investigating child abuse. He had acknowledged that her decision to resign was a matter of considerable surprise to himself and the Government.
"I have also acknowledged and expressed my thanks to her for her commitment. I would also like to point out that Miss Justice Laffoy remains as chairperson of the commission until the publication of an interim report by the commission which is expected in November," he added.
Mr Dempsey said he expected the review of the commission, to be undertaken by the new chairperson-designate, Mr Sean Ryan SC, would be completed within eight weeks.
"In carrying out this review, Mr Ryan will take account of the interests of victims of abuse, the need for the commission to complete its work within a reasonable timescale and in a manner consistent with a proper investigation, without incurring exorbitant costs," he added.
"While nobody would have wished for events to take the course they have, it is important to focus on the future rather than the past.
"In this regard, I remain committed to ensure that the process of review will be completed as quickly as possible and that appropriate amending legislation will be enacted which will allow for the completion of the work of the investigation committee."
Later Mr Dempsey told Ms O'Sullivan he shared her concern about having the property aspect of the indemnity agreement with the religious orders concluded as soon as possible.
"However, my paramount concern is that the State only accepts properties that will provide a material benefit," he added.
"In addition to this, I must ensure that properties the congregations maintain were transferred to the State, State bodies or voluntary organisations ... in accordance with the terms of the indemnity agreement."
He said that Section 8 of the deal stated that, in the event the State rejected a property, the religious had the right to replace it with an alternative property or an equivalent cash sum. "They have exercised that right, so it is one or the other," said Mr Dempsey.