Children’s referendum - Vulnerable must not be betrayed

OVER the last two decades a stark light has been belatedly shone into the unwelcoming, debauched corners of our society.

The sexual and physical abuse of children; the abuse of those — especially women — who did not conform to a lifestyle advocated by an insular, insecure and conservative society; tax evasion; planning irregularities and golden-circle favouritism were all brought to light. However, discovery did not always mean we could cope legislatively or emotionally with the magnitude of the betrayals revealed. We established tribunals; we were regretful and we were shamed.

Yesterday the Government moved to give meaningful expression to that regret when Taoiseach Bertie Ahern announced a series of measures intended to “value and defend childhood to an extent never before attempted”.

In a cyber world where tentacles of every kind can reach a child’s bedroom such an agenda cannot be pursued too vigorously. Neither can it be allowed to become a puffy tug o’ war between political factions no matter how anxious they are for an advantage at the hustings; there is too much at stake.

The announcement over last weekend by Bishop Robert Brom of San Diego that his diocese is considering declaring bankruptcy to avoid going to court on more than 140 cases alleging sexual abuse by priests vividly underlines the international scale of the problem in protecting children.

The proposals, if passed by referendum on a date yet to be finalised — it may or may not be before the General Election — will allow for the use of “soft information” about suspected child abusers. This is to be commended as it cannot be right to have to put suspicions to one side when the welfare of a child is at stake. The proposals will not in any way invalidate the long-cherished principle of innocent until proven guilty but will allow for a responsible expression of concern. The current situation, where an enforced silence is the predator’s best ally, cannot continue in a Europe without borders, in a world where the internet cannot be controlled.

In a unusually unambiguous and welcome declaration Mr Ahern yesterday outlined a simple determination: “A clear and unbendable rule — that those who sexually abuse children will be punished. No exceptions; no loopholes; no excuses.”

He cannot have been any more direct. Let us hope he is equally determined as society will not contemplate another betrayal of the vulnerable.

And is it too much to hope that this newfound directness may be applied to other areas of social and legislative evolution? That this directness may in time help us fulfil our obligations to those in our care?