Three schools in Donegal have been named in the scoping inquiry report on historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders in Ireland.
Survivors named two schools in Donegal where they say they allege they were sexually abused. The schools were the De La Salle Secondary School, Ballyshannon, which closed its doors in 1973 and the St. Louis Girls Convent NS on Station Road, Bundoran.
Separately, the report lists three allegations and two abusers at Scoil Cholmcille, Letterkenny, under the Presentation Brothers. There were three allegations and three abusers noted at the former De La Salle College, Ballyshannon NS. These figures were supplied to the Scoping Inquiry by the religious orders in response to requests for a breakdown of numbers of allegations of abuse and number of abusers by schools.
The Scoping Inquiry has been told of some 2,395 allegations of historical sexual abuse, involving 884 alleged abusers in 308 schools across all parts of the country between the years 1927 to 2013.
The Diocese of Raphoe has affirmed its commitment to cooperating with the Commission of Investigation into allegations, should any of its schools be included.
Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Diocesan Administrator of Raphoe said the report leaves anyone who reads it “with a deep sense of dismay, and indeed disgust, at what was endured by so many children and young people at the hands of those in whom great trust had been placed for the education, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people.”
Mgr Gillespie said: “This betrayal of trust is unlikely to be confined to one type of school, and the commitment of the Government to undertake a Commission of Investigation to look further into this question is to be welcomed. A wide remit for this Inquiry would help to address the trauma suffered by children and young people across the entire school community in the period in question.”
Mgr Gillespie gave assurance that “for its part, the Diocese of Raphoe will provide its cooperation to the Commission should any of its schools be included.”
“My own thoughts and prayers are with all those directly affected by this report, and with all whose experience of abuse across the community are re-traumatised by these reports,” he said.
“It is harrowing to examine the failures that have marked us, but shedding light on these experiences provides a pathway to healing, and ensures that we be vigilant in preventing anything similar in the future.
“While Safeguarding practices and measures are in place today that provide confidence for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in various activities, nevertheless we must remain vigilant.
“I encourage anyone who may have been abused, or is suspicious of any abuse, to report it to the state authorities, or the diocesan Safeguarding Office immediately,” Mgr Gillespie concluded.
Minister for Education Norma Foley yesterday announced that a Commission of Investigation is to be established, following a recommendation in the report of the Scoping Inquiry.
Minister Foley said: “The Report of the Scoping Inquiry is a harrowing document, containing some of the most appalling accounts of sexual abuse. The scale and horror of what people described in their interviews with the Scoping Inquiry is shocking, and the lasting impact on the lives of those survivors cannot be overstated. I have been deeply moved by the courage, fortitude and openness of all those who have shared their experiences.”
Those who wish to report a concern, or complaint of child abuse, either current or historical, are advised to contact Margaret Northage, the Designated Liaison Person for the Raphoe Diocese, on: 086 2183 011.
The Raphoe Diocese also advises contact with statutory authorities:
Tusla (Child & Family Agency) – Tel: 074 9102233
Gardaí National Protective Services Bureau – Tel: 01 6663430/6663435
In an emergency, please contact Letterkenny Garda Station – Tel: 074 9167100
Free Counselling & Support is available through Towards Healing, an independent organisation providing professional support for people who have experienced institutional, clerical or religious abuse in Ireland.
Freephone – Rol: 1800 303416
Freephone – N.Ireland & UK: 0800 0963315
Freephone – Hearing Impaired: 085 8022859
