Failing to protect our children

IT was necessary for the Taoiseach to give a speech in the Dáil in connection with the issue of child abuse by some clerics, he did right.

His choice of words, were at times heavy-handed, but what has been said is said. I think the majority of Irish people know and believe their local parish priest works hard and honestly within their community and is no threat to anybody.

Now that we have a separation of Church and State, does this mean political parties from now on will not collect money outside churches any more? And is it an end to some politicians using the Church to win votes from the electorate?

Ireland should now be entitled to a comprehensive and in-depth investigation into children who have been abused in State care over the past number of years, especially within the HSE. Questions need to be answered like — were politicians made aware of the abuse within state-run institutions and what action did they take to protect children in care from being abused or further abuse?

Why is it that as soon as the Church is challenged and silenced, the Law Reform Commission recommends laws which will allow children as young as 16 years of age purchase condoms and have access to contraception? Who are the individuals on this panel?

They go as far as to recommend some children under the age of 16 have access to contraception.

What happened in the Church and the fact some in government are presently considering passing these laws, goes to show how dysfunctional a number of politicians in Dáil Eireann are.

Who are the Law Reform Commission trying to kid?

Will the Law Reform Commission be the same panel of experts that will be passing the wording in children’s rights?

Everyone was assured in Enda Kenny’s speech that the children of Ireland would be protected.

Are these the type of laws Mr Kenny says will protect our children? The way things are going it won’t be long before someone in Leinster House will want no age limit on sexual activity and Ireland will be known as the pervert capital of the world.

There has to be some if not several politicians in Dáil Eireann — hopefully including the Taoiseach, that will put a stop to this stupidity and madness.

John Donohoe

Portarlington

Co Laois