The survivors of horrific sexual abuse at schools run by religious orders have made it clear what they want from the Government – a statutory inquiry and a redress scheme.
They left the decision as to exactly what shape the inquiry, and the scheme, should take to the scoping inquiry chaired by Mary O’Toole SC. Its report, published on Tuesday, said it was aware of 2,395 abuse allegation in 308 schools run by religious orders and fears that many more remain unreported. Some 182 survivors spoke in detail to the inquiry about what happened to them between the early 1960s and the early 1990s.They told of their strong belief that this could not have gone unnoticed by staff and other members of the religious orders. Some spoke of their belief that there was a cover- up and collusion between some institutions of the State and the Church.
They told the inquiry that the abuse they suffered followed them through their lives as feelings of shame, responsibility, isolation, powerlessness and secrecy. And how it would manifest as mental health problems, confusion about their developing sexuality, poor academic performance, failed relationships and marriage break down.
They have made it clear that they want the religious orders and others held to account in public. Mindful of the adversarial nature of a tribunal, which is the normal method of public inquiry, O’Toole has recommended a commission of inquiry. It is a less adversarial model but has the procedural flexibility to accommodate public testimony.
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The Government has accepted this recommendation and must now ensure that the commission gets under way quickly and has sufficient powers to conduct its work. There was also a desire that the religious orders should pay for, or contribute to, a redress scheme. While the Government has not yet committed to a redress scheme, it will know that this, too, is now inevitable.
In settling out the terms for a commission of inquiry, O’Toole has considered the need to reduce the risk of retraumatising the former pupils who choose to give evidence. She also took cognisance of their desire to see the perpetrators of abuse held to account as quickly as possible. Time is not on their side. Over half of the 884 persons accused of abuse are dead while Mark Ryan who along with his brother David, put in train the events that led to Tuesday’s report when they spoke about abuse suffered at Blackrock College in a RTÉ radio documentary in November 2022, passed away a year ago.
Reading the report, the bravery and dignity of the survivors is clearly evident. They deserve great credit. It is also clear that as the process gets under way many further similar stories from a range of institutions are likely to emerge. This, unfortunately, is only likely to be the start.