160 more contacts since scoping inquiry published

Gardaí received more than 160 contacts since their appeal last week following the publication of a scoping inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse at Irish schools run by religious orders.

It found 2,395 allegations of sexual abuse in respect of 308 schools were recorded by the religious orders. The allegations were made in respect of 884 distinct alleged abusers.

According to the religious orders' records, over half of the accused are now known to be deceased.

There are a particularly high number of allegations in special schools. A total of 17 special schools recorded 590 allegations involving 190 alleged abusers.

Locally complaints include five allegations concerning two alleged abusers at the De La Salle NS in Cavan Town, and three regarding one alleged abuser at St Norbert’s College, Kilnacrott Abbey, near Ballyjamesduff (secondary).

There was one allegation and one alleged abuser reported from St Louis Primary School, Clones, Monaghan; two allegations and two alleged abusers at Kells CBS, Meath (primary), as well as one allegation and one alleged abuser at Kells CBS, Meath (secondary).

An Garda Síochána is continuing to appeal to anyone who wishes to report a crime relating to historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders to contact them by emailing GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie; phoning the free and confidential line on 1800-555-222; or calling to a local garda station. The latest reports have been made predominately directly to the Sexual Crime Management Unit at Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) by email and telephone, but also by the Child Sexual Abuse Reporting (CSAR) phone line and in person at individual garda stations. An Garda Síochána is now in the process of making direct contact back with each individual who has contacted them.

“This is a very sensitive process. An Garda Síochána understands the profound impact that sexual abuse has on the lives of each individual who are now coming forward. In most cases this is the first time when these victims of a crime have spoken to An Garda Síochána. Each person will be given the time and space to discuss their personal experience and An Garda Síochána will continue to support each person through the process at the pace and to the extent that they wish to engage with us,” a spokesperson said.

The force says this is only considered the start of what will become a very significant and large engagement by gardaí with victims of abuse. While their overall response is being coordinated by the Sexual Crime Management Unit at the GNPS, individual investigations will be carried out by dedicated trained gardaí attached to Divisional Protective Service Units in each Garda Division.

Speaking of the development, Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan, Garda National Protective Services Bureau, stated: “These crimes are insidious and have a lifelong effect on those who are subject of this abuse. An Garda Síochána will support each individual who makes a report to us; An Garda Síochána will listen and will assist in progressing their complaint at the pace and to the extent that the person wants. Any person contacting An Garda Síochána can be assured that their interaction will be treated in complete confidence.”

The scoping inquiry has already recommended the Government consider a redress scheme for survivors of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools.

Inquiry lead, Senior Counsel Mary O’Toole, also recommended the Government approach relevant religious orders about contributing.

More than 200 people - the vast majority of whom are men - completed questionnaires about their experiences, detailing abuse at schools in at least 22 counties, and naming over 80 schools run by 24 religious orders. The highest number of alleged reported incidents occurred in the early to mid-1970s.

Many spoke of being sexually abused in the presence of other children or adults. Others recounted that the sexual abuse was ongoing.

Many participants believed there had been a cover-up, or that it could not have gone unnoticed by other staff and school leadership.

For some survivors the abuse they suffered led to life-long estrangement, confusion about their own developing sexuality, and of it damaging their performance educationally and socially.

The view of the inquiry team is that any inquiry process should be inclusive, but warned of the risk that more court-like processes, such as a tribunal, risked retraumatising those involved.

The government has committed to establishing a Commission of Investigation.

The inquiry also recommended that a Survivor Engagement Programme be set up.

The Vatican acknowledged the importance of the inquiry and the “harm done” to victims and their families.

Minister for Education Norma Foley described the level of abuse disclosed as “truly shocking”.

“The scale and horror of what people described in their interviews with the Scoping Inquiry is shocking, and the lasting impact on the lives of those survivors cannot be overstated. I have been deeply moved by the courage, fortitude and openness of all those who have shared their experiences.”

If you are affected by any issues discussed in the report, information on support is available at on the Scoping Inquiry’s website.