This section is reprinted from the Irish Independent, October 3, 2006. Author is Ann O'Loughlin. View original link at http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=1698879&issue_id=14717

The challenge of adequately protecting children is still an uphill climb in Ireland, the Archbishop of Dublin Most Rev Diarmuid Martin said yesterday.

The archbishop told judiciary and lawyers at a special Mass to mark the start of the law term that state, church and civil society were working, hopefully together, in the aftermath of clear failures in the past.

Archbishop Martin also said citizens were worried about the protection of the elderly, the marginalised and minorities in the face of violence or intolerance.

"Citizens are worried about the level of protection and care they receive when they are ill. Citizens are troubled by any scent of corruption in the administration of justice and indeed citizens are troubled even when those who have committed crime are not protected," the archbishop said in his sermon at the special Mass at St Michan's Church, Halston Street, Dublin. It was attended by judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court.

The archbishop added that people were troubled when the defence of basic rights and legal entitlements becomes so expensive for the poorest.

"The law is there especially to protect the weakest and to curb the ambition of the arrogant," he commented.

The administration of justice, he said, must be spirit filled, aware of its role and vocation within society to foster the highest ideals. "Lack of integrity at any level of the system of the administration of justice or in the behaviour of those who bear responsibility within it inevitably damages the credibility of the system itself. "Where mistakes have been made or lessons have to be learned let them be learned rapidly."

© Irish Independent