Religious orders express concerns about participating in abuse inquiry as redress scheme sought for survivors

The report reveals that over 800 individuals are accused of nearly 2,400 instances of historical sexual abuse in 308 schools run by religious orders in Ireland.

Many religious orders express a willingness to cooperate with inquiries, although some require guarantees of legal protections for witnesses and the inquiry process itself.

While the majority of religious orders are open to providing testimony, notable concerns relate to GDPR compliance and the legal framework for inquiries.

Survivors' accounts highlight abuse in various settings, including classrooms and homes, indicating the pervasive nature of the issue across 22 counties.

Read at Irish Independent