A statutory inquiry is set to be launched into allegations of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy at some of the country’s most prestigious schools, including Blackrock College and Belvedere College.
These institutions have been shaken by claims of abuse that management allegedly failed to address.
The Cabinet decided today to establish this inquiry, which will have significant investigative powers but will not be a public inquiry.
A report detailing the abuse will be sent to survivors, many of whom are now in their late 50s and 60s.
Officials are currently working on the terms of reference for the inquiry, which will be equipped with strong powers to investigate the claims thoroughly. Representatives from the Spiritan order, which managed Blackrock College, and the Jesuits, who ran Belvedere College, are expected to cooperate fully with the inquiry.
Sources reveal that a preliminary scoping report presented to the Cabinet has uncovered alarming findings and suggests that similar allegations may involve other religious-run schools. This inquiry will explore a broader range of abuse cases, indicating that misconduct occurred wherever clergy had access to vulnerable individuals.
The report, which names several schools, has reportedly shocked ministers with its extent. Although similar scandals have emerged in Catholic schools worldwide, the scale of the abuse in this case is particularly troubling.
The full report might be released later today after it has been shared with recognised survivors. Some government officials warn that this could be the beginning of a much larger investigation into abuse within religious institutions.
Taoiseach Simon Harris commented before the Cabinet meeting, “Survivors will be the first to know the next steps the Government will take regarding the statutory inquiry.”
