Dáil debates

Tuesday, 15 July 2025

Commission of Investigation (Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools) Order 2025: Motion

 

6:25 pm

Photo of Cormac DevlinCormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the establishment of a commission of investigation into historical child sexual abuse in schools and the opportunity to discuss the matter. This is a long-overdue step in the pursuit of truth, accountability and justice for survivors throughout our country. However, it is not just a national issue, it is a local issue too. In Dún Laoghaire, in my constituency, the impact of abuse by religious orders in day and boarding schools is deeply felt. The names of schools and institutions may vary but the stories of trauma, secrecy and silence are tragically familiar. I pay tribute to the late Mark Ryan, who sadly passed away in September 2023. I welcome David, his brother, and his colleagues to the Public Gallery.

The Ryan brothers came forward to tell their stories in the documentary "Blackrock Boys". They and other survivors deserve the truth and justice from the institutions involved. The men's courage, at times to their personal cost, is the reason we are here today. I commend the work of Mary O'Toole, senior council, whose scoping inquiry brought 2,395 allegations, involving 884 individuals over 300 schools, to light, including 590 from special schools alone. These are not just numbers; they are lives derailed and trust betrayed.

I also welcome the expansion of the commission to all schools. I called for this when the issue originally came to public prominence. Survivors have made it clear that they want inclusion, not fragmentation. They want the truth, not tied up in footnotes. I welcome the Government's decision to act on that call to expand the remit and to take a sampling approach to ensure timely delivery. That was the right decision and I commend the Minister and the Department for recognising the breadth of the trauma inflicted and the diversity of schools in which it occurred.

Let us be clear: truth without accountability is not justice. Many survivors, including those in Dún Laoghaire, have spoken of the need for financial redress, not as compensation but as a recognition of the impact of the abuse while under the care of these institutions. It is not just about looking back. It is about protecting children today. The scoping report confirms that child protection measures in our schools have improved, but survivors have rightly insisted that the system must be made even stronger. I support the implementation of every one of those recommendations.

I hope this commission will not only uncover the truth but will give survivors in every community, including Dún Laoghaire, a voice, a hearing and, ultimately, a measure of healing. Let us proceed with care, courage, compassion and an unshakable commitment to justice.

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