Louth schools named in historical abuse scoping inquiry

A number of children were allegedly sexually abused in nine schools run by religious orders throughout Louth according to a national Scoping Inquiry by Senior Counsel Mary O’Toole. 

The inquiry engaged with alleged survivors of abuse who alleged they were abused while attending schools between 1927 and 2013. 

The report revealed that there were at least 47 allegations made regarding schools under the patronage of religious orders in Louth against at least 26 alleged abusers.

Six of the schools named in the report were run by the Christian Brothers. In Dundalk, nine allegations were made against five alleged abusers at the Christian Brothers Primary School while four allegations were made against three individuals at the Christian Brothers Secondary in the town. 

Separately in Dundalk, nine allegations were made against four individuals at St. Mary's College, Secondary School which was run by the Marist Fathers.

In Omeath, there were five allegations against three alleged abusers at St. Michael's College Post Primary which closed in 1986. 

Elsewhere in Louth, there were fourteen allegations against six alleged abusers at the St. Joseph's CBS Primary School in Drogheda run by the Christian Brothers.

There were four allegations relating to two alleged abusers at St. Mary's CBS, Drogheda Secondary School under the patronage of the Christian Brothers. 

At Drogheda CBS Primary School run by the Christian Brothers there were two allegations against two alleged abusers.

Additionally at St. Joseph's CBS Secondary School in Drogheda run by the Christian Brothers there was one allegation against one individual.

An allegation, or allegations, have also been made in relation to St. Mary's School, Drumcar run by Saint John of God Hospitaller Ministries (SJOG HSG).

No breakdown was given for Saint John of God Hospitaller Ministries schools. The inquiry revealed there were 144 allegations against 36 alleged abusers across seven Saint John of God Hospitaller Ministries schools.

Nationally, the Scoping Inquiry reported 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. Most of these allegations have been reported from the records of 42 religious orders who currently or previously ran schools in Ireland. 

Minister for Education Norma Foley has announced that a Commission of Investigation is to be established, following a recommendation in the Report of the Scoping Inquiry set up to examine historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders.

The establishment of a State inquiry into historical sexual abuse is one of a number of recommendations made by Senior Counsel, Mary O’Toole in her report to the Minister.

The Scoping Inquiry organised a Survivor Engagement process where those who had experienced sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders were invited to come forward and share their views regarding an appropriate State response.

Participants reported experiences of sexual abuse in primary, post-primary and special schools, both public and private, run by religious orders across the country.

“One of the most compelling aspects of the Report is that older participants provided devastating accounts of how sexual abuse in childhood has affected their entire lives, from their schooldays through adolescence, early adulthood and right through to later years.

“I am pleased to note that the report states that current child protection measures in schools are robust and effective and I am conscious that the safety of children today is a matter of paramount concern to survivors and all of society,” said Minister Foley. 

The Scoping Inquiry report further recommends that consideration be given by government to establishing a redress scheme for survivors of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders.

Further recommendations relate to improving the experience for survivors in legal processes and the establishment of dedicated support services for survivors, particularly in relation to the Commission and potential participation in that process.

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An Garda Síochána is appealing to anyone who wishes to report a crime relating to Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders.

For the purpose of reporting to An Garda Síochána, the following options are available:

1.       By emailing GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie
2.       By phoning the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222. This is a confidential and free service available 24/7
3.       Calling to your local Garda Station

An Garda Síochána is also appealing to anyone who may have information, including as a witness, relating to crimes of Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools run by Religious Orders, to make contact with them so that such crimes can be investigated.