Sir, - It is impossible to see how a statute of limitations can benefit the victims of child abuse. It is, perhaps, all to obvious, to those of a cynical turn of mind, who could benefit.
It seems to me that any legislation purporting to bring some measure of justice to the victims of child abuse should start with the victims themselves - what they want, need or desire in their struggle to come to terms with horrific experiences and to cope as best as they can. There is no room for anything other than an empirical approach, where the legislation arises directly and necessarily from the needs of the victims.
To deny State help to victims of child abuse on the grounds of cost or any other sort of expediency, is to deny them justice, in the shabbiest and most reprehensible manner possible. The only cost we should be counting is the cost of damaged and ruined lives. - Yours, etc.,
D. Keogh Bray, Co. Wicklow.