Victims' reaction: Victims of sexual abuse have welcomed the decision by the Supreme Court to return Mr A to prison and have appealed for changes in the way victims are treated in court.
The mother of the victim who was sexually abused by Mr A said she was "absolutely over the moon. I'm just off the phone to my daughter and she's overwhelmed. She's so happy. It's been a very frightening few days for her," she said shortly after the Supreme Court ruling.
"We'll sit down. Tonight we can try to relax for the first time in days. I think a lot of the activity by the Government is down to the public and the media," she said. "At least they got their heads together, when they realised they way the public felt. The public elected them and it was clear they were letting them down."
She said the family planned to meet Minister of State for Children Brian Lenihan next week to discuss their concerns. "The only support we've got has been among our family and friends."
She said she would now "try to relax. It's my birthday next week, I'll be 39, and this is the best possible early birthday present".
Bridgeen Doherty, who was sexually abused by Michael O'Donnell in Dungloe, Co Donegal, said her family was "ecstatic".
"Our lives have been in turmoil this week which has just been a rollercoaster," Ms Doherty said. "This week was our first time to speak out in public since we appeared in court last May."
Ms Doherty and her sisters Fionnuala and Jackie were warned by local gardaí at the start of the week that O'Donnell could be freed and chose to go public about their experience. "I don't know where I got the courage but people have been ringing all week thanking us for speaking out." She said the process by which victims make statements to gardaí and give evidence in court should now be reviewed.
Providing for a video-conference link so that victims do not have to endure an "intimidating courtroom experience" should be a priority in light of the new legislation passed by the Dáil yesterday.
"We would love someone to come to us about drawing up new plans," she said. "I know I don't have a law degree or any legal background but I think it is important that Ministers now look to sit down with victims and talk about what would be of benefit to people in similar circumstances."
A victim of Simon Murphy, who was jailed in June 2002 for three years on sexual assault charges and five years on unlawful carnal knowledge charges, said she was "absolutely ecstatic" to learn of the decision. Murphy, Ramsgrange, New Ross, Co Wexford, sought immediate release from prison in the High Court on Thursday. His case was adjourned until next Wednesday.
Last night, one of his victims, who did not wish to be named, said justice had been done. "My faith took a beating this week but has been restored now . . . It's a great day for all children," she said.
"People used to look at abuse and think it would never affect them. This week brought it to everybody's doorstep and people realised that they aren't living in a safe place . . . People now realise that it affects everyone."