The CAMHS in North Kerry review, expected to finish by early 2024, has now been delayed until 2025, causing frustration among families. Only 300 cases are being examined, leaving many without answers as delays mount. Families and advocates are calling for an expanded review and quicker resolution to the alleged harm caused by the service.
The Scoping Inquiry report revealed 590 allegations of sexual abuse in special schools, disproportionately affecting vulnerable children. The abuse spanned 17 special schools, with over 190 abusers implicated. Institutions like Lota and Holy Family School were key sites of abuse. Survivors of abuse in special schools are encouraged to seek confidential support.
An Garda Síochána has received more than 160 reports of historical sexual abuse in religious-run schools since launching a public appeal. The reports follow the release of the Scoping Inquiry, which uncovered nearly 3,000 claims of abuse. Survivors are encouraged to contact Gardaí, who have assured privacy and support throughout the investigation process.
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The Report of the Scoping Inquiry into historical sexual abuse in special schools, day schools, and boarding schools run by Religious Orders by Mary O’Toole S.C. was published in September 2024. In June 2024, the report was furnished to Minister for Education Norma Foley.
Our team has extensive experience handling cases of historical sexual abuse in schools and can assist you in seeking justice. If you are a survivor of historical sexual abuse in special schools, please reach out to us for confidential advice. You can contact us on our free phone number 1800-844-104, or via email at [email protected]
The allegations of historical sexual abuse in special schools were set out separately in the report. Historically, education for those with varying degrees of disability was provided by religious orders. The Scoping Inquiry, as part of their work, considered whether a future investigation should include schools that had previously been subject to review by the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (CICA). Several special schools were referred to as part of the CICA report:
St. Joseph’s School for Deaf Boys, Cabra
St. Mary’s School for Deaf Girls, Cabra
Mary Immaculate School for Deaf Children
However, due to insufficient complaints at specific institutions, CICA should have investigated them. Furthermore, some complainants described practical difficulties hearing from them due to ongoing Garda investigations and disagreements with legal representatives.
Some abuse survivors of abuse in special schools have previously applied for redress under the Residential Institutions Redress Board (RIRB). However, compensation under that scheme was limited to residents of the institutions and excluded those who attended as day students. It should be noted, however, that those who received redress from the Residential Institutions Redress Board should not be precluded from participating in any future investigative process (although they are unlikely to be included in any future redress schemes, having signed a legal waiver when accepted redress under the previous scheme).
The report indicates a high prevalence of alleged abusers in particular special schools. According to the Report, a number of religious orders that ran special schools have reported that their records of allegations of historical sex abuse in their schools show that across 17 special schools, there are some 528 recorded allegations of historical abuse concerning 190 alleged abusers.
This is, unfortunately, reflective of the general trend of persons with disabilities being more likely to suffer sexual abuse in childhood. It also echoes the recent findings of The Central Statistics Office (‘CSO’), following a widespread survey of sexual violence, the results of which indicate that people with a disability experienced sexual violence as a child at a higher rate than those without a disability. The findings of the report support various international studies that indicate that disabled children and young people are more likely to be sexually abused.
During the CICA Inquiry, it was noted that 36 individuals were each named in more than 20 allegations. In the Dublin Archdiocese report, there is a reference to one individual having admitted to abusing over 100 children and another having abused many more. The Scoping Inquiry, therefore, points out that a full inquiry may result in the emergence of many more allegations of historical child abuse than the 528 previously reported.
Our team has experience dealing with cases involving historical sexual abuse in special schools and can help you seek justice. If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, please don’t hesitate to contact us for confidential advice. Contacted us at:
Solicitors
84 Talbot Street, Dublin 1
D01 YX60
Free Phone: 1800-844-104
Fax: (01) 5312727
Email: [email protected]
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