Special needs schools account for a disproportionate number of historical sexual abuse claims at religious-run institutions

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.
Garda contacted over 160 times in three days following publication of inquiry into sexual abuse at religious schools

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 Garda, who have assured privacy and support throughout the investigation process.
Former girls swim coach found guilty of child sexual abuse for a fourth time

Derry O’Rourke, a former Irish swim coach, has been convicted of child sexual abuse for the fourth time. The 78-year-old was found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting a 13-year-old girl 35 years ago.
Campaigner Louise O’Keefe urges stricter supervision on abuse redress efforts

Louise O’Keefe criticises the Irish government for failing to fully implement the European Court’s ruling on child sex abuse redress, despite creating schemes that exclude many survivors.
Survivor-centred, scoping Inquiry into historical sexual abuse in schools announced by Minister for Education

The Department of Education has launched an inquiry, led by Mary O’Toole SC, to investigate historical sexual abuse in religious-run schools, emphasizing survivor testimonies and safeguarding practices.
John McClean, former teacher at Terenure College, to serve 12 years total imprisonment

John McClean received an additional four-year sentence for sexually abusing students at Terenure College between 1971 and 1992, adding to his existing 11-year sentence.
Former Terenure college teacher and rugby coach pleads guilty to two abuse offences

John McClean, former teacher and rugby coach at Terenure College, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two students between 1981 and 1987. He faces 45 more allegations.
Over €1m paid out in compensation by the Vincentian Community after 45 instances of abuse alleged against 9 priests

Over €1m Paid Out in Compensation by The Vincentian Community After 45 Instances of Abuse Alleged Against 9 Priests
Over €5m in clerical abuse settlements, support services paid by Spiritans

The Spiritans in Ireland, also referred to as the Holy Ghost Order, has revealed that it has paid over €5 million since 2004 in settlement claims and towards abuse and support services.
29-year-old man on trial for sexual assault at crèche
A twenty-nine-year-old man who worked at a crèche in Leinster has pleaded not guilty to 23 counts of sexual assault that happened between February 2015 and December 2016. He is accused of sexually assaulting four young girls who were between the ages of five and eight years old at the time of the assault. The […]
Sexual abuse lawsuits caused Boy Scouts of America to file for bankruptcy
With almost 2.2 million members aged between 7 and 21 and nearly 1 million volunteers in local councils, The Boy Scouts of America (BSA), founded in 1910, is one of the largest non-profit youth organisations in the United States. Former presidents of the BSA include ex-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and former Secretary of Defence […]
The additional 80 claims recently announced may only be the tip of the iceberg
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.6″] Update on Sexual Abuse Allegations in Scouting Ireland Children’s Minister, Katherine Zappone, stated yesterday that there have been an additional 80 people who have contacted the Scouts helpline within the last week. The Minister also added that she will get a verified update on the number […]
Sexual Abuse Allegations in Scouting Ireland
Sexual Abuse Allegations in Scouting Ireland As with any profession involving the care of children, Scouting Ireland must adhere to strict guidelines regarding Garda vetting of volunteers, both senior and junior, to ensure the safety of the children in their care. In recent news, four senior Scouting Ireland figures have stood down from their positions […]
Government opposition to Fianna Fáil motion on abuse victim redress
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.2.2″] Primary school children victims of sexual abuse could seek redress from the State A motion put forward by Fianna Fáil to ensure all survivors of child sex abuse in primary school can seek redress from the State is being opposed by the Government has been opposed by the Government. […]
Alleged assault at Dublin boarding school investigated
An investigation is under way into an alleged assault that took place in the Lucan area last Thursday 24th November. This has been confirmed by Gardai. It has been reported that eight pupils have been suspended following an alleged incident at King’s Hospital School in Palmerstown. This follows a claim that a 13 year old […]
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission requests the Council of Europe to assess whether Irish rulings on Abuse Claims are meeting Strasbourg Standards
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission requests the Council of Europe to assess whether Irish rulings on Abuse Claims are meeting Strasbourg Standards. The Council of Europe has been requested to carry out a review for the purposes of assessing whether or not Ireland is in compliance with rulings delivered by the European Court of […]
HSE aware of ‘Mary’ case much sooner than first admitted
HSE aware of ‘Mary’ case much sooner than first admitted It has recently been discovered by RTE’s investigative programme ‘This Week’ that the HSE were aware of the ‘Mary’ case involving a young woman with intellectual disabilities that was deemed to be at risk, much earlier than first reported. ‘Mary’ was left in a foster […]
The right to anonymity in sex offence cases in Ireland
The right to anonymity in sex offence cases in Ireland There are variations between UK anonymity laws and those in Ireland as has been highlighted by trials of various TV soap stars in the UK for sex offences. In Ireland, laws prohibit the identification of the rape accused prior to conviction. Within Irish law, those […]
Settlement of Sexual Abuse Claim
Settlement of Sexual Abuse Claim Coleman Legal Partners have successfully settled the first negligence claim of its kind in relation to a woman who was severely sexually abused by two siblings while she was placed in a day-fostering arrangement by the HSE. The Plaintiff was eight years old when she spent one year in the […]