An organisation representing survivors of abuse in Catholic institutions has welcomed today's acceptance of responsibility by the Sisters of Mercy for the hurt inflicted on many former residents.
Christine Buckley, of the Aislinn Centre, said it was the first time its members had been believed by the congregation.
The artist and writer Mannix Flynn, a former resident of Goldenbridge orphanage in Dublin, said the nuns' apology ended a long struggle by survivors to be heard.
Goldenbridge was at the centre of the 1996 RTÉ drama-documentary 'Dear Daughter'.
In that documentary former residents recalled being subjected to physical and emotional abuse.
Following that programme, the congregation offered what it said was a sincere and unreserved apology to those who were harshly treated.
Today, Sr Breege O'Neill told a news conference in a Dublin hotel that she and the leadership of the Mercy nuns wanted to clarify that apology, because survivors had heard it as conditional and less than complete.
She apologised unreservedly and unconditionally to each of the many former residents for the physical and emotional suffering the nuns had caused.
Congregation asks for forgiveness
Sr O'Neill also asked forgiveness for failures to protect and care for them in the past and to hear their protests in the present.
She also apologised and took responsibility for failing Mercy sisters who were told to care for children without adequate resources.
The congregation said it is distressed by its failures and has been earnestly seeking a way to bring about healing.
Next Monday evening it is setting up a helpline for survivors.
