DUBLIN, Sept 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — There were almost 2,400 allegations of sexual abuse in more than 300 schools run by religious orders in Ireland, according to a report commissioned by the Irish government.
Education Minister Norma Foley said it was the first time the scale of abuse had been disclosed, and it was “truly shocking”.
The Irish cabinet has agreed to establish a full statutory investigation, following the findings of the “scoping inquiry report”, which is due to be published shortly.
At a news conference, Foley said the report found there were 884 alleged abusers in 42 orders which formerly ran schools or still do.
She noted that the report recommended that the religious organisations should contribute to a financial redress scheme.
She said victims and survivors had shown “extraordinary courage” in coming forward to share their personal stories.
Foley said schools should be places of “haven, not horror” and that abusers “broke down” young people in their care instead of building them up.
The government now plans to appoint a chair for the full inquiry, called a Commission of Investigation, and draw up terms of reference.
Tánaiste (Irish deputy Prime Minister) Micheál Martin said that the “level and scale of the horrific abuse within schools revealed in the report’s pages is shocking, and there must be full accountability and justice for those abused”. — NNN-AGENCIES