Cowen reiterates apology to child abuse victims
Taoiseach Brian Cowen has reiterated the Government's official apology to the victims of child abuse at religious-run state institutions.
Mr Cowen made his remarks as the Dáil began a two-day debate on the recent report from the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.
He said the contents of the report were appalling beyond belief.
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern first apologised on behalf of the State in 1999 and Mr Cowen repeated his words in the Dáil this morning.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, meanwhile, said the entire country should be ashamed by the revelations in the report.
