The scale of the Commission of Investigation into allegations of historical sexual abuse in schools across the country reflects the thousands of lives affected and the deep impact on families and communities for generations, according to an organisation working with abuse survivors.
This afternoon, the Government announced that is to establish the Commission of Investigation, with further work to be carried out to examine the matter of financial redress and how any future scheme could be funded.
One in Four, which works with people who have been subjected to abuse, welcomed "the commitment to a broad and inclusive approach, covering all schools and with a definition of concerns of sexual abuse that includes formal allegations, information and witnessed behaviours".
It expressed hope that by investigating how concerns and allegations of child sexual abuse were handled by schools, religious bodies and state agencies, the Commission will uncover the failures to prevent sexual abuse, identify lessons for the future, whilst ensuring that the voices of those affected lead to meaningful change.
Given the scale of the issue, One in Four has said it recognises that not every individual case can be investigated.
"We urge the Commission to ensure its sampling methods are transparent so that all survivors and the wider public can understand how cases are selected and trust that the process is fair, open, and accountable," it said.
It has expressed concern that the issue of redress will be further delayed.
"While we appreciate this is complex, survivors have shown immense resilience and patience; therefore, we are concerned about any further delay.
"Delays disadvantage survivors and may allow institutions to avoid accountability."
It added that the Commission of Investigation is not an alternative route to justice for survivors, its focus is on examining how concerns were handled and learn from past failures.
It has pointed out that the Survivor Engagement Programme, while not a legal process, offers survivors a confidential and supportive space to share the impact of their experiences, ensuring their voices inform the Commission's recommendations.
CEO Deirdre Kenny said that examining how concerns were managed is vital for understanding past failures and building a safer, more accountable future for all children.
Commission of Investigation 'long overdue'
Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik said it is long overdue and one made possible only through the bravery of survivors and tireless campaigners.
She called on the Government to urgently move ahead with a parallel redress scheme to ensure justice is delivered in full.
"While this Commission is a welcome move, it must not stand alone. Labour is again calling on Government to urgently establish a parallel redress scheme for survivors of school abuse.
"It is essential that survivors are not made to wait years for justice and that any scheme is fully resourced, transparent, and survivor-led.
"We must also ensure that religious orders - many of whom were directly responsible for the care of children in these schools - are compelled to pay their fair share towards any redress fund.
"These orders cannot be allowed to hide behind trusts and legal mechanisms to avoid accountability."
Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins said the thousands of people who were abused in schools have waited far too long for this action.
"This endemic sexual abuse is a scandal of unprecedented and unparalleled proportions.
"These predators acted with impunity, were protected by religious orders, and they destroyed the lives of countless innocent children.
"This is why the minister must ensure that religious orders contribute to any redress scheme. We cannot have a repeat of this Government going to religious orders, cap in hand, pleading for contributions – as happened, most recently, with the Mother and Baby Home redress scheme.
