Labour calls vote on Government delays to justice for childhood abuse survivors
Labour calls vote on Government delays to justice for childhood abuse survivors - The Labour Party
- Labour calls a vote on Government’s delaying tactic
- Bacik calls on ALL TDs to use their vote to support survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Following the conclusion of debate on Labour’s Civil Liability (Child Sexual Abuse Proceedings Against Unincorporated Bodies of Persons) Bill 2025, Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has welcomed the broad support for the measure across parties but expressed deep disappointment after the Government declined to immediately progress the legislation, instead delaying further consideration for another six months.
The Bill, which was debated in the Dáil today, would close a longstanding legal gap that has enabled certain religious orders to shield assets from survivors seeking damages for historical child sexual abuse.
The mechanism she is seeking to introduce is the first of its kind in this jurisdiction.
Deputy Bacik said:
“Today, the Government missed an opportunity to stand unequivocally with survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
“While I welcome the fact that the Government did not oppose the principle of the Bill, its decision to postpone further debate for another six months is profoundly disappointing.
“This delay is particularly difficult to understand because the Government has already had this Bill for almost two years.
“It was first published in 2024 and was referred to the Attorney General shortly afterwards, following revelations of 2,400 instances of abuse in day and boarding schools in the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Schools run by Religious Orders.
“The Government has already had ample opportunity to consider our proposals.
“That is why we have opposed the Government’s delaying tactics and have called a vote on their delaying tactics. This vote will be taken next Tuesday evening.
“We are urging TDs from all parties, including Government parties, to stand with survivors and support us in votes next week.
“Over decades, extraordinarily brave survivors have come forward to expose some of the darkest chapters in Irish history. They have forced this State to confront the appalling abuse perpetrated against children in schools and institutions run by religious orders.
“Many have spent years pursuing justice through the courts, only to find themselves frustrated by legal structures that shield assets and frustrate accountability. Why should they now be asked to wait another six months before we legislate to end this indefensible practice?
“This bill will not cost the taxpayer a cent. Instead, it would ensure that those institutions which enabled or facilitated abuse can be held properly accountable where liability for the sexual abuse of children exists. The public have already borne the overwhelming burden of redress; religious orders must now meet their own obligations to survivors.
“Survivors are getting older. Many have complex health needs as a consequence of the abuse inflicted upon them. They cannot continue to wait before those complicit in their ordeal are forced to make amends. Should they win the vote next week, I sincerely hope the Government uses the next six months constructively. Survivors have already waited decades. They should not be asked to wait any longer than absolutely necessary for justice. Justice delayed is justice denied. I urge all TDs to use their conscience when voting on Tuesday.”