TAOISEACH'S REACTION:THERE WAS "no ambiguity" on the Government's part about the need to protect children against abuse, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said when asked to comment on the current controversy involving Cardinal Brady and the case of the late Fr Brendan Smyth.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Mr Cowen said the Catholic Church had “its own issues to deal with” but he was “just anxious to ensure that the State discharges its responsibilities” in this area.
Asked whether Cardinal Brady should resign, or whether he had any views on the case, Mr Cowen replied: “Obviously I’m not au fait with the particular issues that are arising now. There’s no ambiguity about the importance of child protection, the need to learn lessons from the past and to ensure that it’s not repeated.
“That’s why we’ve had the Murphy report, that’s why we have the Office of the Minister of Children working very hard at implementing recommendations that arise from that report and the Ryan report beforehand.
“And I think obviously matters that are considered within the church’s authority have to be done so by the church authorities regardless of the fact that it was a very long time ago, 35 years ago.
“From my point of view and from the State’s point of view it’s about making sure that we, for our part, put in place the child protection guidelines and infrastructure that will make sure that we don’t repeat the terrible mistakes of the past.”
It was put to Mr Cowen that there had been some criticism of his initial reaction to the Ryan report, and he was asked if he could guarantee that clerical garb would be no protection in relation to prosecution of these crimes.
“That has never been the case as far I’d be concerned,” Mr Cowen replied.
“Everyone is equal before the law but I’m just anxious to ensure that the State discharges its responsibilities. The church has its own issues to deal with as an institution and they should be dealt with in that context.
“The State has its job to discharge and that’s what I’m anxious will be done.”
Mr Cowen is in the United States for St Patrick’s Day events, which culminate in a meeting with US President Barack Obama at the White House tomorrow.
