TAOISEACH ENDA Kenny has told the Dáil he expects the “complete and unreserved co-operation of church authorities” on arrangements to ensure the safety of children from abuse. Mr Kenny said he had no contact with church authorities in Ireland or the Holy See since his controversial criticism in the Dáil of the Vatican in dealing with clerical child abuse.

He told Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams he accepted the testimony of Cardinal Seán Brady that the Holy See statement was “carefully prepared and respectfully presented”. He acknowledged the Holy See “is sorry and ashamed for the terrible suffering of victims of child abuse in Ireland and their families and the acceptance of grave failures over the handling of the child sex abuse scandal”.

Mr Kenny said many people were disappointed that elements of the Vatican’s response were technical and legalistic, rather than focused exclusively on the Government’s concerns about the welfare of children. But he was satisfied the response “is of value in coming to terms with the sad history of abuse and the inadequate handling of cases”.

It suggested the way forward was through continuing dialogue and co-operation. “With confidence, I require and expect to have the complete and unreserved co-operation of the church authorities and everyone in our society to that end,” he said.

Mr Adams asked what progress had been made in making statutory changes to ensure the protection children. The Taoiseach said the Minister for Children and her department were working on the introduction of vetting legislation and the statutory implementation of the guidelines for children.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin questioned the Taoiseach about his claims that the Vatican had hindered an investigation and a clarification by his spokesman that he had been referring to a much earlier letter. He asked why there were different explanations for the Taoiseach’s comments.

Mr Kenny said he had not referred to specific incidents but that there was less than full and comprehensive co-operation with the statutory inquiry in the Cloyne diocese.