Labour leader attacks Taoiseach over Church-State deal

Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte has launched an attack on the Taoiseach over the Government’s agreement to indemnify religious orders against child abuse compensation claims.

Speaking in the Dáil this morning, Mr Rabbitte accused the then Attorney General and now Justice Minister, Michael McDowell, of being more interested in campaigning for the general election than overseeing the indemnity agreement.

He also said the deal was never properly debated in the Dáil.

Mr Ahern reacted to the criticism by defending the controversial agreement and the actions of Mr McDowell. The Taoiseach also insisted that the deal was adequately discussed by the Dáil and its committees.