See also: “2,600-Page Report Released on Endemic Abuse in Irish Catholic Schools,” May 21, 2009
June 4, 2009
Brothers sorry for ’shameful’ abuse denials ORDER’S APOLOGY: The Christian Brothers have described its response to the abuse issue as “shamefully inadequate and hurtful” after it emerged that the order was denying allegations of abuse up to five days before the publication of the report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.
Survivors of institutional abuse said it was “not surprising” that the order was denying abuse so recently.
Labour’s health spokeswoman Jan O’Sullivan said it “absolutely beggars belief” that the Christian Brothers could still have been taking this stance in May. “I find it just incredible,” she said. “Before the Ryan report, we had the Commission hearings and the Redress Board so it’s quite incredible that they would still be denying abuse with the information available to them.”
One in Four, which works with victims of abuse, said it was not surprised at the news as its clients had repeatedly been met with “suspicion and resistance” when they spoke about the abuse they endured. …
Former industrial school resident Oliver Burke said he believed the Christian Brothers had only apologised after the Ryan report because of the strength of public and church opinion. “That’s why they changed their tune.”
More at The Irish Times.
