THE MINISTER OF Education has said that the level of abuse in schools run by religious orders revealed by a scoping inquiry report is “truly shocking” and that a Commission of Investigation is to be established.

The findings of a scoping inquiry has revealed almost 2,400 allegations of sexual abuse of children in schools run by religious orders.

There were 844 alleged abusers in schools run by 42 religious orders across the country, with allegations stretching across a total number of 308 schools.

Education Minister Norma Foley has confirmed that a Commission of Investigation will be held into the 'truly shocking' levels of abuse at schools in Ireland pic.twitter.com/uSHopEbU1T

— Órla Ryan (@orlaryan) September 3, 2024

Speaking to reporters this afternoon after the release of the report, Minister for Education Norma Foley said the extent of the abuse is “truly shocking”.

“The level of abuse is shocking. It is truly shocking. And so is the number of alleged abusers,” Foley said.

“This is the first time – and we shouldn’t underestimate this – this is the first time that the scale of sexual abuse allegations in schools run by religious orders has been disclosed based on information provided by religious orders and survivors. It covers schools all across the country,” she said. 

“These abusers betrayed trust, they betrayed innocence, they betrayed the beauty and joy that should be at the centre of childhood.”

Foley said a statutory inquiry with the necessary powers is required and that a high-level group will work on the terms of reference for a Commission of Investigation starting immediately.

The minister says one instance of abuse is 'one too many', but the scale of the abuse detailed in the scoping review is 'startling, distressing'. She says she found it horrifying to read about what happened to so many children, so she can't imagine how the people themselves feel. pic.twitter.com/a4SV4gJDGx

— Órla Ryan (@orlaryan) September 3, 2024

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Becoming emotional, the minister thanked survivors who had come forward for their courage, naming in particular Mark Ryan, who passed away last year, and his brother David Ryan who publicly came forward about their experience of abuse and campaigned for justice.

“One of the most compelling aspects of the Report is that older participants provided devastating accounts of how sexual abuse in childhood has affected their entire lives, from their schooldays through adolescence, early adulthood and right through to later years,” Foley said.

“I am pleased to note that the report states that current child protection measures in schools are robust and effective and I am conscious that the safety of children today is a matter of paramount concern to survivors and all of society.”

Additional reporting by Órla Ryan