I have notice from Senator Neville that he wishes to raise a matter under Standing Order 29A.
Adjournment Matters. - Matters of Concern to Members.
I was disappointed this morning that my request to have the Seanad debate the Kilkenny rape case, which concluded in the High Court on Monday, was refused. This case has aroused revulsion and anger and it is a sad reflection on our society that such a case could occur. This case opens our eyes to what is happening throughout the country, issues we are afraid to confront. How could the father of this unfortunate victim get away with this cruel deed for so long and how many more such cases remain to be uncovered? The system for dealing with such cases is totally inadequate. Clear procedures must be established to detect cases of child sexual abuse.
It is clear that several members of the caring profession knew of the case but were powerless to act. This must change and there must be a thorough investigation of all aspects of the Kilkenny case by all arms of the State, not alone the Minister of Health. This must be the basis for new procedures which will allow quick and effective exposure of incest and all forms of child abuse. As I said, it is a duty not alone for the Minister for Health, but for many other arms of the state.
Under the new criminal justice Bill there should be a review of sentencing of such terrible crimes because the present levels of sentencing are totally inadequate to deal properly with the sanctioning that should take place.
It is important to reiterate what I said this morning. I have already expressed the concern and views of this House to both the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice on the case the Senator has outlined.
The House adjourned at 8.50 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 4 March 1993.