Time to ensure justice for survivors of school abuse

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has called on the Government to deliver justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in schools by establishing a redress scheme to run in parallel with the newly announced Commission of Investigation. Speaking in the Dáil today, Deputy Bacik welcomed the establishment of the Commission, but urged Taoiseach Michael Martin to ensure that it does not repeat the failings of previous commissions, where in some cases the processes effectively retraumatised victims and left many excluded.

Deputy Bacik said:

“I want to welcome the announcement of the Commission of Investigation into sexual abuse in schools. We owe an immense debt of gratitude to David and the late Mark Ryan for their bravery in shining a light into this dark chapter in our history. Their courage and the courage of so many survivors I’d abuse has driven this important inquiry forward.

“However, we must learn from the past. Too many survivors have already experienced flawed and traumatising redress processes. We cannot allow this to happen again.

“That is why I am calling on the Taoiseach to establish a parallel redress scheme to run in conjunction with the Commission. It is simply not acceptable that survivors should have to wait another five years for the outcome of this inquiry before receiving support. There is no justification for further delay.

“As Louise O’Keeffe rightly said today, the framework for redress already exists. We need a survivor-led, inclusive process that ensures those affected by abuse are properly supported and recognised.

“The Catholic Church and religious orders which facilitated and enabled abuse in schools must also be held accountable. For too long, they have resisted responsibility. We in Labour have introduced legislation to remove legal barriers that prevent survivors from pursuing redress from those responsible. The Government must act on this now.

“In the Dáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was ‘open to engaging’ on Labour’s Redress Bill – as though he had never received it. But both he and his predecessor have previously received copies of the legislation from me. This is a serious issue, and it requires serious follow-up.

“It is not enough to acknowledge wrongdoing. We need to see concrete action. The Taoiseach must confirm that legislation will be passed before the work of this Commission concludes, so that religious orders will be compelled to contribute meaningfully to redress.

“We have a duty to deliver truth, justice, and accountability for survivors.”