By Tara McCormack
This afternoon, the Diocese of Raphoe issued a statement acknowledging the publication of the Scoping Inquiry into historical sexual abuse at schools run by religious orders.
The inquiry, which has unveiled a disturbing legacy of abuse, involved over 2,400 allegations against 884 alleged abusers across more than 300 schools in Ireland.
Among the institutions implicated are St. Louis Girls Convent National School in Bundoran and De La Salle Secondary School in Ballyshannon.
Additionally, Scoil Cholmcille in Letterkenny was mentioned in an appendix, highlighting three allegations against two abusers.
In its response, the Diocese expressed profound sorrow and horror at the findings.
“The Scoping Inquiry Report into abuse at Religious run schools in Ireland leaves anyone who reads it with a deep sense of dismay, and indeed disgust, at what was endured by so many children and young people,” the statement read.
The statement also addressed the broader implications of the report, acknowledging that the betrayal of trust revealed is “unlikely to be confined to one type of school.”
The Diocese welcomed the government’s commitment to a Commission of Investigation to further explore these issues.
A wide remit for this Inquiry, they believe, would be instrumental in addressing the trauma suffered by children and young people across the entire school community during the period in question.
The Diocese pledged its full cooperation with the Commission, should any of its schools be included in the investigation.
“For its part, the Diocese of Raphoe will provide its cooperation to the Commission should any of its schools be included,” the statement affirmed.
Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Diocesan Administrator, conveyed his personal empathy and solidarity with the victims, stating: “My own thoughts and prayers are with all those directly affected by this report, and with all whose experience of abuse across the community are re-traumatised by these reports.”
He emphasised the importance of facing these painful realities head-on, as doing so is crucial for the healing process and for preventing such atrocities in the future.
“It is harrowing to examine the failures that have marked us, but shedding light on these experiences provides a pathway to healing, and ensures that we be vigilant in preventing anything similar in the future,” he noted.
Monsignor Gillespie encouraged anyone who may have been abused, or who suspects abuse, to report it immediately to state authorities or the diocesan Safeguarding Office.
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