15,000 boys may have faced abuse in Irish schools, probe begins

More than 15,000 boys might have been sexually abused in Irish schools between the 1960s and 1990s, with a new major investigation about to begin. The Government announced yesterday that a Commission of Investigation will be formed following a ‘truly shocking’ scoping inquiry. This inquiry revealed 2,400 allegations of sexual abuse across over 300 religious schools over four decades.

The allegations involve 884 suspected perpetrators, with fewer than half, around 400, still alive. Taoiseach Simon Harris described the report as a ‘harrowing read’ and commended the ‘courage and bravery’ of those who came forward. Special schools had particularly high abuse rates, with 590 allegations involving 190 alleged abusers in 17 schools.

However, the CSO estimates that up to 15,300 boys were sexually abused in Irish schools during this period, suggesting these figures might just be the beginning. Gardaí are preparing for a surge in new allegations, according to security sources. Some survivors believe that ‘a paedophile ring was operating’ in their schools, with multiple staff members either participating in or facilitating the abuse.

‘Their childhood stopped the day the abuse started’: Almost 2,400 allegations of abuse in religious run-schools https://t.co/KRRwv4rVmO

— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) September 4, 2024

Mary O’Toole, a barrister, conducted the scoping inquiry following revelations of sexual abuse at Blackrock College in Dublin last year. Speaking yesterday, the Taoiseach highlighted that the abuse is ‘a shadow of our past that continues to loom large in so many lives, so many families, so many communities.’

The report recommends redress for survivors. The Fine Gael leader emphasised the importance of taking survivor-centred next steps and assured, ‘We will get this right.’ Education Minister Norma Foley called the report ‘a harrowing document’ containing participants’ accounts of severe sexual abuse and violence.

She mentioned that the abuse often happened in front of other children. Many of the survivors who took part in the scoping inquiry are now older and have shared how childhood sexual abuse impacted their lives. They reported that it prematurely ended their childhood, affected their academic performance, caused mental health issues, substance abuse, and damaged relationships with their families and children.

Some survivors avoid their parents’ graves because their abuser is buried nearby. According to the report, there are 2,395 sexual abuse allegations involving 308 schools run by religious orders. Gardaí have 17 ongoing investigations related to five out of the nine most prolific schools. At the inquiry’s request, the CSO estimated that 15,300 men aged 35 and over experienced sexual violence as children in schools.

Allegations include 820 claims against the Christian Brothers, 321 against the Spiritans, 295 against the Brothers of Charity, and 142 against the Jesuits. Many witnesses believe the abuse was organised. One survivor recounted, ‘There were 12 priests present and nine were paedophiles. Three were involved with me together on one occasion and separately apart.’

Others who reported the abuse to school leadership said their concerns were ignored. Survivors described being molested, stripped naked, raped, and drugged in an atmosphere of terror and silence. Some were drugged into immobility or unconsciousness before the abuse. Although some memories might be affected, most survivors were aware of what happened immediately after due to physical pain and trauma.

A participant explained, ‘They used drugs to immobilise but still be conscious.’ The report also outlined the long-term impacts of the abuse on victims. It stated, ‘As adults, participants said the impact of the sexual abuse led to serious and ongoing difficulties in relationships, mental and physical health problems, addiction issues, lost career opportunities, and damage to their sense of place and/or community.’

Many survivors experienced failed relationships and marriage breakdowns. Some chose not to have children, and those who did found it impacted their parenting, with intergenerational trauma affecting their families. Many spoke of the sadness of telling their elderly parents about their experiences.

A statement from the Department of Education acknowledged the report’s recommendation for financial redress for survivors but did not commit to a scheme, with Minister Foley saying it is under consideration. Tánaiste Micheál Martin called for full accountability and justice for the abused, stating the report’s revelations were shocking.

The body representing Catholic orders in Ireland apologised, expressing deep sorrow that victims experienced abuse in religious-run schools. A spokesman for the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious in Ireland said, ‘We will carefully examine the recommendations.’