The Bishop of Elphin has responded to a report into historic sexual abuse published yesterday. The scoping inquiry report included over 2,400 allegations, involving 884 alleged abusers, at over 300 schools around the country. In a statement released this afternoon, Bishop Kevin Doran said it would be naive to suggest child abuse wasn't a reality in schools which weren't run by Catholic religious orders. Bishop Doran also apologised to all those affected by abuse within the church, and called on all victims to contact Gardaí.
There were four schools in the Shannonside region included in the report which are De La Salle in Ballaghaderreen, Presentation Brother's school in Carrick-on-Shannon, St Paul's National School, run by the Marist Brothers, in Castlerea and St Mary’s College, Boyle. Meanwhile, the Justice Minister has become the latest in Government to say religious orders should contribute to any potential redress scheme for victims of abuse at schools run by orders. A Commission of Investigation will now take place while Gardaí are appealing for victims to come forward. Helen McEntee says the inquiries need to be carried out.
