While the government can put in place procedures and measures for the protection of our children, we all in society must be alert to the dangers that exist and be vigilant to what is going on in our communities and have the courage to intervene when the welfare of a child is put at risk

Taoiseach Brian Cowen's response to the Ryan Commission report into child abuse

I'm so angry. I should be filled with hope but I'm not

Christine Buckley, former resident of Goldenbridge industrial school, on the publication of the commission's report

I'm just looking forward to getting out on the Euro-pean Tour and playing some golf. If I make some money I make some money; if I don't, I don't

Irish Open champion Shane Lowry speaking after deciding to turn professional

He has been punished beyond all manner of means

Frank Dunlop's barrister telling the Circuit Criminal Court that his client had already suffered hugely in his personal life as a result of his involvement in planning corruption

What is now needed is a new project which reflects the current economic and fiscal realities

The minister for justice, Dermot Ahern, on plans to halt the Thornton Hall 'superprison'.

It is just another example of the litany of waste which is the hallmark Fianna Fáil in govern­ment over the last 12 years

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny reacting to the news that talks with a consortium to build Thornton Hall prison have broken down

We are not going to release anyone if it would endanger our national security

US President Barack Obama on his decision to transfer some detainees from Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, to highly secure facilities in the US