Inquiry told of child sexual abuse at schools throughout Laois

School children were allegedly sexually abused in schools run by religious orders throughout Co Laois.

Details of the historical sexual abuse were revealed in the report of the Scoping Inquiry by Senior Counsel Mary O’Toole. 

The inquiry engaged with survivors of abuse who alleged they were preyed upon while attending seven schools located across Laois between 1927 and 2013. 

It revealed allegations by at least ten individuals who say they were sexually abused by at least six different abusers while attending schools under the patronage of religious orders in Laois. 

Three of the schools named in the report were run by the Christian Brothers. In Portlaoise, one allegation was made against one alleged abuser at the Christian Brothers Primary School while one allegation was made against one individual at the Christian Brothers Secondary in Portlaoise. 

At Christian Brothers Portarlington CBS Primary School there were two allegations made against one alleged abuser. 

Separately in Portarlington, three allegations were made against three individuals at Colaiste Iosagain Secondary School which was run by the Congregation of the Presentation Sisters. 

Elsewhere, there were two allegations against two alleged abusers at the Mountrath Community School which was under the joint patronage of the Brigidine Sisters (CSB)/ Patrician Brothers). 

There were four allegations relating to one alleged abuser at Don Bosco Salesian College, Ballinakill (It became Heywood Community School 1990).

An allegation, or allegations, have also been made in relation to the Patrician Brothers run Ballyfin College in Ballyfin. However, no breakdown was given for the Patrician Brother schools. The inquiry revealed there were 21 allegations against 18 alleged abusers across ten schools under the patronage of the Patrician Brothers.

Nationally, 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. Most of these allegations have been reported from the records of some 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.

The organisation One in Four provides services to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. One in Four can be contacted by calling 01 662 4070 or by completing the form at www.oneinfour.ie/contact.

If you wish to report an allegation of sexual abuse you can contact your local Garda station, the Garda Sexual Crime Management Unit (01-6663430) or the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line (1800 555 222), which is a confidential and free service available on a 24/7 basis. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]