The Cabinet has reiterated the apology of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to Louise O'Keeffe.

The Cork woman won her case in the European Court of Human Rights last week, which ruled the Irish State was liable for the sexual abuse she suffered as a child in national school.

In an update on the implications of the ruling to colleagues today, Education Minister Ruairi Quinn says he needs to work with the Attorney-General on the implications.

He says there are 44 other cases before the courts and he now wants to work towards a fair and reasonable outcome of those.

The Minister has asked his Department, with the Attorney-General's Office and the State Claims Agency, to review these cases and any other relevant cases. Mr. Quinn said that he will report back to government on this in the near future.

Minister Quinn said "While the horrific abuse that Louise O'Keeffe endured dates back to the early 1970s, this government is committed to ensuring the protection of children is paramount. Our schools should be places of safety for our children".

"As a society we are all more aware of the incidence of, and risks to, children from child abuse" he added.

Arrangements are being made to pay the €30,000 damages and €85,000 in respect of the costs and expenses to Ms. O'Keeffe and her legal representatives.