Dáil to debate Child Abuse Commission report

The Tánaiste has told the Dáil that the child abuse report reflects a dark period in the history of the State.

Mary Coughlan says the Government is to hold a special meeting to consider yesterday's report and a Dáil debate on the scandal is to take place in the week following the elections.

The report from the Child Abuse Commission detailed the abuse suffered by thousands of children in residential institutions run by religious congregations who lived in a climate of fear.

The Tánaiste said the report must be considered carefully by everyone involved.