Government votes to delay survivors’ redress Bill
Government votes to delay survivors’ redress Bill - The Labour Party
Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has expressed her disappointment at Government TDs’ support for a delaying amendment to Labour’s Civil Liability (Child Sexual Abuse Proceedings Against Unincorporated Bodies of Persons) Bill 2025 yesterday evening.
Deputy Bacik had repeatedly urged the Government to allow the legislation to proceed without further delay and called on Government TDs to vote with their conscience.
Deputy Bacik said:
“Labour’s Bill would remove the legal loophole that allows certain religious orders to shield their assets from survivors of historical child sexual abuse who are owed redress.
“Last night, TDs had to a choice whether to allow survivors to see action now, or continue their decades-long wait for justice. I forced our Bill to a vote after consulting with many survivors and their representatives because I felt the public deserved to know where their TDs stand on this issue.
“The Minister for Justice has said he will need another six months to consider the legislation but the Government has already had this bill for almost two years.
“Indeed, it was referred to the Attorney General in 2024.
“It is hard to understand the basis for further delays, particularly given the subject matter: justice for survivors of sexual abuse in childhood.
“Sadly, we have seen the legacy of historical sexual abuse in childhood dominate headlines in recent weeks. In that context, I had hoped that the Government would come to agree with me that the work that may remain to be done before it passes could continue during the legislative process. Instead, it has been used to invoke yet more delays.
“This legislation is about ensuring religious orders can no longer rely on legal technicalities to avoid accountability where the courts determine liability exists. It will not cost the Exchequer a cent.
“Over decades, courageous survivors have exposed some of the darkest crimes committed in institutions run by religious orders. Many have spent years seeking accountability only to encounter legal obstacles that protect culpable institutions, rather than the victims whose abuse they enabled.
“We lost the vote today and that is regrettable. However, I will be following up with the Minister over the next six months to monitor progress on the additional preparations he says are necessary. This legislation is too important to delay any further than is absolutely necessary. Justice delayed is justice denied.”