Abuse report to show State failings - Cowen

STATE FAILURES would be highlighted in the report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, Taoiseach Brian Cowensaid.

Speaking in the Dáil in advance of its publication, Mr Cowen welcomed the report. “It fulfils the Government’s intention in setting up the commission so that the story of the residents was told,” he said. “Inevitably, the report will show up failings of the State and others in providing care and protection to these children.”

Mr Cowen said the apology given by Bertie Ahern, as taoiseach, was an admission of the State’s failings. “The Government will carefully study the findings and recommendations to ensure that they are fully considered in the light of the current practices to ensure our children enjoy the highest standards of care and protection,” he added.

He said it was important to mention that while the Government could put in place measures for the protection of children, society must be alert to the dangers that existed and be vigilant about what was happening in communities.

Mr Cowen said the State had already indicated at the commission’s public hearings its regret for inadequacies in discharging its function relating to the industrial and reformatory school system.

The party whips could discuss the matter of a Dáil debate, he said. “Everybody will get an opportunity to consider this thorough and comprehensive report,” Mr Cowen added.

“I thank everybody who was involved in producing it. It will show what lessons must be learned and acknowledge the great failings of the State and many others in the care of children who were held in a custodial manner for many years at a time when the criminal justice system was totally different, thankfully, from the one I hope we have now.”