Taoiseach denies frustrating Laffoy

Political Reporter

Speaking at Fianna Fáil’s annual parliamentary party meeting in Sligo yesterday, Mr Ahern rejected suggestions that the Government’s official response to the criticisms contained in Ms Justice Laffoy’s resignation letter differed significantly from remarks he made immediately after the judge’s resignation when he appeared to accept in full the numerous criticisms of the judge.

“I don’t think that there’s any difference. I accept her criticisms. I accept there were delays on the fixing of legal fees and delays on the review as well. What I and the Government don’t accept is that there was any deliberate attempt or effort by the Government to in any way frustrate the good work of Justice Laffoy.”

Speaking as Education Minister Noel Dempsey released details of Government proposals to modify and speed up the operation of the commission, Mr Ahern said he had been warned as the commission was being set up to “keep the legal people out”.

“If I have any regrets in this,” he said, “I never for the life of me thought that every case was going to turn into a huge court case.”

Expressing frustration at the negative portrayal of the Government’s role in events leading to the resignation of Justice Laffoy last week, Mr Ahern said his Government had been the only one to acknowledge and take on board the plight of abuse victims.

“When the people came to me in 1998 they said they had been ignored by governments for years and years. I believed we just couldn’t ignore an issue like this.”

The Taoiseach also appeared anxious to play down the negative aspects of Ms Justice Laffoy’s resignation, pointing to what he called the positive things such as the amount of time, effort and resources already invested in the plight of abuse victims.

“The confidential aspect of the commission, where people can go and put forward their case is working very well and the compensation aspect is working very well,” he said.