Former archbishop fears numbers abused in schools 'underestimated and probably higher'
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The former Archbishop of Dublin fears that the number of people who were abused by teachers and priests in Irish schools may have been underestimated.
A total of 2,395 allegations were made against 884 teachers, priests, and others in 308 schools across Ireland in the Government's long-awaited report into sexual abuse at religious-run boarding and day-schools, published earlier this week.
Seventeen special schools recorded 590 allegations involving 190 alleged abusers.
Dr Diarmuid Martin said he had to “throw the files onto the ground” in frustration when he read the reports.
He explained: “I'm extraordinarily struck by the numbers in the special schools. I think that sexual abuse of particularly vulnerable children is very shocking and that the second thing is that the numbers are very high.
“For example, if you look at the three paying schools, one of the reasons for this is that I think most people may have thought this scoping inquiry was primarily about those schools.
Dr Martin urged people to come forward and report any incidents of abuse against them. On Wednesday, gardaí confirmed an investigation would be launched into the allegations. Dr Martin said that he was “pleased” to read about the probe.
He said: “I think if people realised they would have a safe and friendly reception, they would come forward. And the more we learn about this, I think in the long term it's better.”
The report contained multiple graphic accounts by alleged victims of sexual abuse in schools, including one that recalled being “covered in semen".
Dr Martin said the damage from abuse was “more” than just physical or sexual.
“It takes away the entire self-esteem of a child. The abuser is actually saying to a child, ‘I could do anything I like with you, you are worthless’. And that's the thing that drags right throughout their life," he said.
This was a key finding of the scoping report, with many of the participants, who were now adults, saying that the impact of the sexual abuse led to “serious and ongoing difficulties in relationships, mental and physical health problems, addiction issues, lost career opportunities, and damage to their sense of place and/or community".
On Wednesday, Education Minister Norma Foley said a “high-level” group is to start work on the terms of reference for a commission of investigation immediately.
Ms Foley said that while no redress scheme has been agreed, religious orders have a "moral obligation" to play their part. However, Dr Martin made a call for a leading government figure to “take charge” of the issue.
He told RTÉ: “The Irish government is not too good at joined-up thinking, and we should have some person, some senior person in government who says ‘I will stand up, carry the flag and take responsibility to explain where we are, where progress is being made, where the obstacles are’, that people can turn to them.”
Dr Martin was quick to note that this would not be to absolve religious orders of their responsibility for the abuse, but that the State could ensure that the orders carry out their responsibilities to victims.
Ms Foley noted that she is open to expanding the commission's remit to all second-level schools.
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