The government calls for anyone with information about crimes against children to contact Gardaí.
In the wake of the recent Ryan report published by the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, a motion was passed today in the Dáil calling on religious congregations to make further substantial contributions to victims of abuse.
A special Garda hotline to gather evidence on crimes against children has been established, and Minister for Justice and Law Reform Dermot Ahern urged those with information to contact the Gardaí.
If more people come forward new people with new statements it may help the Gardaí in solving some of the issues in relation to the sex abusers and physical abusers.
In order for a prosecution to take place a victim must first make a complaint which is then investigated by Gardaí. The Director of Public Prosecutions then decides if there is a case, and charges may then be brought, followed by a trial and possible conviction or acquittal.
Tom O’Malley Senior Law Lecturer, NUI Galway, says that cases can still be brought to court despite a time limit,
We have seen in fact over the past 10 years or so numerous cases of people being successfully prosecuted, even though the offences occurred maybe 20, 30 or 40 years earlier.
Abuse survivor Christine Buckley who grew up in the Goldenbridge orphanage in Dublin also said it is not too late for people who have information to come forward,
It is time for the voiceless to express all of what they endured, or what they were forced to witness.
The Gardaí say where crimes were committed and complaints are made, they will investigate. A senior Garda officer has been appointed to examine the Ryan report from a criminal justice point of view.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 28 May 2009. The reporter is Gareth O’Connor.
