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Independent Assessment of Redress Scheme for Children in Irish Schools
Coleman Legal LLP
Aug 27, 2018

The final Report of retired Judge Iarfhlaith O’Neill in respect of sexual abuse of children in Irish schools is expected within the next fortnight.


The obligation to compensate abused children arose on foot of a European Court of Human Rights decision given in 2014 which ordered the Irish State to compensate Louise O’Keefe in respect of abuse suffered by her as a young schoolgirl.

Both the Children’s Ombudsman and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission have made submissions to Judge O’Neill seeking to broaden the scope of the Redress Scheme, which to date has only managed to compensate seven further victims out of several hundred eligible claimants.

Both the Children’s Ombudsman and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission have made submissions to Judge O’Neill seeking to broaden the scope of the Redress Scheme, which to date has only managed to compensate seven further victims out of several hundred eligible claimants.

The hiatus is caused by the State’s insistence that there be a prior complaint made against those who sexually abused school children. It is the legal equivalent of allowing a dog to bite a person for free with no sanction for the dog or its owner. (Such a state of affairs is illegal under Irish Law).

The Irish Government has thus far refused to expand the scheme and is awaiting the Report from Judge O’Neill.

The final decision of the Government in relation to this matter has to be set against the massive injuries caused to victims by paedophiles preying on school children, injuries which endure to the present day and are exacerbated by the long and tortuous legal route they are being forced to follow to find vindication and justice.

Coleman Legal represents victims and survivors of this abuse in Schools and has lodged a further case with the European Court of Human Rights to follow up with the shortfall in the implementation of the O’Keefe Decision.


If you have been affected by this or any abuse, please contact Keith Rolls at 1800844104

Keith Rolls Partner Coleman Legal LLP

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