Kenny reacts to Govt statement

Opposition leader Enda Kenny has responded to the Government's statement on the resignation of Justice Laffoy tonight.

"The document released by the Government directly contradicts the stated acceptance by the Taoiseach of the criticisms of Justice Laffoy yesterday," said Deputy Kenny.

"No litany of excuses can disguise the fact that Justice Laffoy decided to resign as a result of the Government's actions which rendered her Commission powerless.

"The Government states in the document that its interest lies in individual victims' rights but as far back as December 2002 the Government was examining ways to treat the victims of abuse as statistics rather than individuals.

"There is no admission of guilt. There is no acceptance of responsibility and there is precious little contrition for the impact of the Government's actions on the victims of abuse," said Deputy Kenny.