Child sex abuse report - Another question of competence

The mishandling of one issue after another continues to raise questions about the competence of the Government. If the various ministers have learned nothing else from politics, surely they realise that the perception of a cover-up fuels rumours and speculation.

Minister for Children Barry Andrews went on RTÉ yesterday to discuss the controversy over the report into the mishandling of allegations of child abuse in the Cloyne diocese made to the Catholic Church between 15 and 20 years ago. It is understood that the report was commissioned after a number of abuse victims met with the current Finance Minister, Brian Lenihan, while he was minister in charge of children’s affairs.

Mr Andrews contends, however, that the department did not commission the report. The Diocese of Cloyne and the author of the report have challenged the minister’s assertion. They contend that the Department of Health and Children initiated the report, which is being tossed around like a hot potato.