Leaders' Questions is normally the scene of contentious interchanges. Today I wish to raise an issue not in any contentious or combative way but rather in a spirit of solidarity with the people of Athlone and, in particular, the two young girls from that town who suffered a horrific indecent assault some days ago. This incident has caused deep anger, shock and disbelief, not just across the immediate community but across the country. Many of the parents who gathered in unison in the aftermath of this shocking and horrific event felt the need to highlight their anger and concern and send a clear message to those who would do this sort of thing that there is no sanctuary to be had and such actions will be condemned by all right-thinking people.

The thoughts of all of us are with the two children, their families and the wider community. It is very important in situations such as this that a comprehensive package of support be applied to the situation. The manner in which it happened, in broad daylight when children were at play, strikes at the very heart of what is a core principle of our society, that our children are allowed to play in safety and security. That has been violated in a horrific way. Gardaí have acted swiftly and we must have faith in them and the providers of all the other services to come through on this. Can the Taoiseach assure us and the wider community that this comprehensive package of support will be made available on a sustained long-term basis to the members of the emergency services who have had to intervene, to the wider community in the shape of teachers and other school staff who will have to deal with the aftermath of this issue, to the HSE and to the social workers who are involved, as well as for the development of a broad, community-wide education programme to deal with the aftermath of this horrific event?

I thank Deputy Martin for raising this most appalling and sensitive issue. There are few people in the House who have not had experience in one way or another of a family member, particularly a child, going missing for a short period. To have this horror inflicted upon the dignity, integrity and sacred space of two young girls is simply appalling. I assure Deputy Martin and his party that in so far as it is humanly possible, special facilities, resources and anything else necessary for the comfort of the community, including from people with specialist training in this area, will, of course, continue to be made available where these unfortunate cases arise.

I compliment the people of Athlone on the manner in which they have restrained themselves in dealing with this situation where, I understand, an individual has been charged with the rape of the two young girls.

It is the most appalling nightmare for any parent to hear or receive news of this. That it happened in broad daylight, when two little girls - innocent in their childhood - were playing and lured away, speaks for itself. Our sympathy and understanding go to the parents, the children and the wider family. Irrespective of the difference of opinion in the House on matters of politics, we are absolutely united in our condemnation, attempts and efforts to see that those who are trained and have specialist facilities to deal with these unfortunate and appalling situations continue to be made available to the wider public. The individual involved has been charged and clearly the courts will follow through in bringing the person concerned before the law.

The Ombudsman raised a complex case in which the outcome necessitates the setting up of the child and family agency to start its work immediately. The report relates to the years 2006 and 2007 when the young girl involved was 11 years of age. The recommendations made by the Ombudsman have been carried out in full following the findings of the report on what was a complex and sensitive case. I assure the House and the people that there is no division in the House, irrespective of our political positions. That will continue to be the case on what is a sad day for Athlone and its community and a devastating day for the parents and the two little girls who must live with this for the rest of their lives. What can I say except that our sympathy goes to the parents and the children? Whatever is necessary in terms of support and facilities will continue to be made available.

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply and agree with what he has said. This horrific violation of the innocence of children has spread understandable shock, genuine concern and fear across every community. That is why a comprehensive programme involving different agencies is required in this incident. In addition, we accept that child protection is a core principle that goes to the heart of the community. Does the Taoiseach agree that, arising from the incident, we need to reflect on this issue and redouble our efforts to take additional steps required to ensure that in every community across the country there will be a robust child protection framework in place that will embrace education, the media, health and security? In that context, we should look at the idea of sustained campaigns on protecting children in situations such as this. In other jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom there are such recurrent and sustained education campaigns. This is a point on which we might reflect as we do everything possible to give every support required to the communities involved.

Yes, I do. Everyone who has a family and young children will have gone through the phase of birthday parties and having visitors. The shattering of that summer afternoon at the birthday party for two innocent little girls is simply appalling. It is a case of understanding the sensitivity surrounding programmes and educational matters about these things. Every child should be entitled to a childhood. The innocence of playing is so important as part of their personality formation. The initiation of the child and family agency, with 388 social workers in position following the recommendations of the Ryan report, cannot happen quickly enough and, clearly, not in time for these two young girls. For any community, that the afternoon can be shattered by such news is utterly devastating. All I want to commit to is that we must see the facilities, training and State support the Deputy mentioned being made available where, unfortunately, this might arise.