Sir, As one of the "current professionals" who contributed to the RTE Prime Time programme on Sr Xavieria, I may have been included in the ISPCC's criticism of those who appeared to "come to her defence". In my own case these comments misrepresent the situation. Indeed, I am not aware of any professional who appeared on the programme who would condone or excuse the abuse of children.
The specific question I responded to was to describe, from my experience, how Sr Xavieria, was perceived by the professional community, prior to the screening of Dear Daughter. The simple - and accurate - answer is that most professionals, particularly in the modern era, saw her as caring, very hard working and no more fearsome than any of her contemporaries. To make such a factual statement is in no way to "defend" any hurt she caused children.
In her case, one should be wary of the once an abuser always an abuser school of thought. Such a stance allows no scope for growth or development. There is ample evidence that - like many of her contemporaries - Sr Xavieria's subsequent practice changed over time, whatever she might have done in the past. - Yours, etc.,
Editor,
Irish Social Worker,
Pearse Street,
Dublin 2.