An Irish police chief has announced that the force will now probe into the possibility of organised paedophile rings being involved in the sexual abuse of children in Irish schools. This follows the release of a shocking Government-appointed scoping enquiry which uncovered over 2,000 allegations of sexual abuse at religious order schools across Ireland.
Drew Harris stated that several of the abusers mentioned in the report have already been convicted or are deceased . However, he confirmed that the specialist National Protective Service Bureau will conduct a broader investigation into the matter.
"There are a number of individuals who have been convicted and either have passed away since or are still incarcerated or have been released," he said.
"But what we're now doing is - with this overall report, the scale of what's been described - to take that wider view."
"That's why we have a national unit now. Previously the national bureau that we have for protective services was in existence, but we've a coordinated national response and that specifically then, as it follows individuals, should be able then to identify where there's been an organisational element."
"Whether then that opens up further victims, we have to see."
These remarks were made after police confirmed on Wednesday new nationwide investigations which will be overseen by the National Protective Services Bureau.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the police urged anyone wishing to report historical abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders to get in touch via email at GNPSB_SCMU@garda. ie, call the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222 or contact any local Garda station.
"Anyone contacting An Garda Siochana on such matters will receive personal contact as soon as is practicable," a police spokesperson assured.
The police are encouraging anyone who believes they were a victim of a criminal act relating to historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders, to come forward and report it.
They acknowledged the profound impact such abuse has had on the lives of those affected, many of whom may be disclosing this information for the first time.
The police pledged to handle any reports with sensitivity and, where possible, progress matters through investigation.
While they are committed to dealing effectively with all complaints and information received, they noted that there may be limitations due to factors such as the unavailability of evidence over time or suspects and/or witnesses being deceased. In such cases, the police will diligently explain these limitations to complainants.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has labelled the abuse detailed in a damning report as "barbaric" and emphasised the "moral obligation to ensure the truth is uncovered" with justice served for the victims.
"We don't want to see a redress scheme going on for years", she stated, urging that "we need to work it through and the religious orders need to come forward, need to contribute to this significantly. They should not have to be asked."
Furthermore, Ms McEntee insisted that religious orders must proactively acknowledge their responsibility.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik reacted to the report by stressing the urgency for schools to be independent of religious bodies.
"What we want to see in this with this new set of revelations is the religious orders made to pay their share," she contended.
Bacik called for an acceleration and continuation of the divestment process initiated by Ruari Quinn as Education Minister, to ensure "that religious orders which have stood over and been complicit in such awful horrors in the past that these orders are no longer over school children."
Adding his voice, retired Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin expressed his shock at the number of children abused in special schools.
Dr Martin welcomed the police's call for abuse survivors to step forward but voiced his concern over the potential lengthy wait for justice that survivors might face.
He urged for a "public figure in Government" to spearhead the issue and ensure that those involved are held accountable.
He expressed his concern, remarking: "I'm a little worried when I think of that very courageous woman, (abuse victim) Louise O'Keeffe". He highlighted her determination as she took her case "right to the European courts to recognise the fact that the State had a responsibility for (her) having been abused".
"I think if people realise they will have a safe and friendly reception, they will come forward," he continued.
He showed deep respect for the resilience of working-class women who sought help from authorities in the past, saying, "I have the highest regard for poor, ordinary working-class women who came to my predecessors and said to them, 'I would not like any other child to have to go through what my child did' - and they weren't listened to."
Dr Martin admitted he cannot confirm that abuse in these institutions has ceased but expressed hope that it is no longer occurring.
"Paedophiles will be attracted to any place where they have privileged access to children. That can be in a whole range of areas, sporting schools and so on," he further stated.
The Association of Management of Catholic Secondary Schools has voiced its profound sorrow regarding "the scale and nature" of the abuse revealed in the report.
It expressed its heartfelt thanks to the survivors who contributed to the investigation, acknowledging the "huge pain" they endured by participating.
And last night, the Catholic Education Partnership, which represents Catholic schools, issued an apology for the "grave harm" inflicted upon the victims.
The statement read: "It is painfully clear that children and the trust of their families were betrayed in the most devastating of ways. The Catholic Education Partnership commits to working with our stakeholders and the State to ensure that we uphold our moral, civic, and statutory responsibilities."
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here
Local News
Comments / 0