Ahern criticised for Laffoy letter reaction

THE Taoiseach’s acceptance of Justice Mary Laffoy’s criticisms of the Government’s handling of the Child Abuse Commission prompted a stinging attack from the opposition last night.

While accepting the inquiry chairperson’s strongly worded criticism in her letter of resignation, Mr Ahern said he believed Justice Laffoy understood the Government’s difficulties.

“I have no argument with Justice Laffoy. I accept her criticism. She has worked hard on this. She understands our difficulties, she’s an eminent judge,” he said.

The Government’s response to the impasse caused by Justice Laffoy’s pending resignation will dominate today’s Cabinet meeting. Defending the Cabinet’s record amid mounting criticism over the affair, Mr Ahern said the Government hoped to publish it’s response to the judge’s letter of resignation in the next few days. The inquiry had been hit with unforeseen constitutional challenges, he added. “We cannot allow a situation go on where 1,760 cases have been put forward and we have only dealt with 40, even though I made the apology in 1999.”

Describing Mr Ahern’s response as offhand and casual, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the comments were unworthy of the holder of his office and were shocking.

“The Taoiseach has now admitted, in his trademark style, that he and his Government’s actions have sabotaged the commission set up by the Oireachtas to investigate 1,700 allegations of child abuse. This admission diminishes the authority of the Taoiseach and indicates a sustained inability to adequately deal with this serious and sensitive issue,” he said.

Listing off 20 questions of critical importance to be answered by the Taoiseach, Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte said full disclosure had to be forced upon the Government. “Even as all the relevant documents continue to be withheld, it is clear from a careful examination of Ms Justice Laffoy’s letter of resignation, and from various public comments made, that there are serious questions that must be answered by the Government. Fundamental issues of political accountability arise from the Government’s complete mishandling of this issue,” he said.

According to Mr Kenny, the Taoiseach’s response means that it is now beyond dispute that the Government never properly enabled the Commission to do its job satisfactorily and that his Government stymied the Commission in relation to its statutory function.

“What is shocking is that the Taoiseach’s comments contain no expression of regret for his Government’s mismanagement, no coherent explanation for his Government’s actions and no willingness to accept responsibility for the debacle which has resulted.

“It has added to the hurt and trauma of the victims who had looked to the Commission to provide a route to closure,” he said.