Irish Examiner view: Failure to act will lead to more failures

The release of the Farrelly Commission report has led to plenty of reaction, and criticism of the commission

Minister for children Norma Foley said she had asked inquiry chairwoman Marjorie Farrelly, as a mark of respect, to inform the families involved in the investigation that the report was imminent.

The release of the Farrelly Commission report, known widely as the Grace report, has led to plenty of reaction. This is hardly a shock given the report runs to some 2,000 pages, after eight years of investigations costing an estimated €20m.

What is surprising is the extent of the criticism directed at the report and the commission. Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness, a long-time campaigner on this matter, said the State was using the report to walk away from its responsibilities, while Ireland’s special rapporteur on child protection described it as “quite impenetrable”.