How religious orders are responding to the Commission To Inquire into Child Abuse

John Downes

Artane: 'The safety of children was not a priority at any time during the relevant period'

Daingean in Co Offaly: 'We unreservedly apologise for this'

Christian Brothers

Ran six industrial schools and were the largest provider of residential care for boys in the country. More allegations were made against this order than all of the other male orders combined.

The schools were: Artane in Dublin; Letterfrack in Co Galway; St Joseph's industrial school, Tralee, Co Kerry; Carriglea Industrial Park, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin; Glin school in Limerick and Salthill school in Galway. Also ran St Joseph's school for the Deaf in Cabra, Dublin.

"The Christian Brothers apologise openly and unreservedly to all those who have been hurt either directly or indirectly as a result of the deplorable actions of some brothers, or by the inaction or inappropriate action of the congregation as a whole. We are deeply sorry for the hurt caused. We are ashamed and saddened that many who complained of abuse were not listened to. We acknowledge and regret that our responses to physical and sexual abuse failed to consider the long-term psychological effects on children.

"As we have come to better understand the impact of such abuse, our goal and best endeavour has been to promote healing for complainants. We appreciate that no healing is possible without an acknowledgement of our responsibility as a congregation for what has happened. Our commitment is to ensure that we learn from the awful mistakes of the past, from the findings and recommendations of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, and from best practice in the area of child protection as it continues to evolve."

Oblates of Mary Immaculate

Ran Daingean reformatory in Co Offaly, the only boys' reformatory in the state for most of the period in question.

"The Oblates again wish to reiterate and acknowledge the shortcomings outlined in our presentation to and hearings of the commission and the serious consequences for some of the boys in our care. We unreservedly apologise for this."

Rosminian Fathers

Ran schools including St Patrick's industrial school in Upton, Co Cork, and Ferryhouse in Clonmel, Co Tipperary.

"Even before the commission was established many of our former residents/ past pupils experienced years of pain and anguish and even now and into the future many of them will still be affected by the abuse they experienced and by the failings and shortcomings of our congregation. We deeply regret and apologise for that suffering. We welcome the publication of the report and we hope that in time it will be an instrument of healing in the lives of all those affected."

Presentation Brothers

Ran St Joseph's industrial school in Greenmount, Co Cork, which closed in 1959.

"Boys were sent to this industrial school by the courts and in response to reports from the Society for the Protection from Cruelty to Children [sic]. We will take the opportunity to study the Ryan report in detail and, if necessary, make a further response.

"The Presentation Brothers again apologise to all who were hurt in any way whilst under our care at St. Joseph's industrial school in those decades (1940-1959)."

Brothers of Charity

Ran the Lota residential school for boys with special needs in Glanmire, Co Cork.

Unavailable to comment in advance of publication.

Sisters of Mercy

Ran a total of 26 industrial schools, mainly for girls and boys under eight years old.This included Goldenbridge industrial school in Inchicore, Dublin; Cappoquin industrial school, Co Waterford; Clifden industrial school, Co Galway; Newtownforbes in Co Longford; and Dundalk industrial school.

"We accept that many who spent their childhoods in our orphanages or industrial schools were hurt and damaged while in our care... we renew our unconditional apology to all who suffered while in our institutions.

"Since the beginning of this inquiry in 2000, the congregation has endeavoured to assist the commission in every possible way.

"There is a great sadness in all of our hearts at this time and our deepest desire is to continue the healing process for all involved."

Sisters of Charity

Ran two industrial schools: St Patrick's in Kilkenny and St Joseph's in Kilkenny.

"We repeat that we are absolutely and deeply sorry that children in our care were abused in any way. Nothing we say can make up to them for the pain and hurt they experienced. We also acknowledge the staff, volunteers and sisters who did their very best to provide a caring and nurturing environment for the children, under very difficult circumstances."

Daughters of the cross of Liege

Ran Mary Immaculate residential School for deaf girls in Beechpark, Stillorgan, Dublin.

"We are deeply saddened and sincerely apologise to those past pupils who are hurt by their experience in this school. We were not aware at the time that some children were so adversely affected by some of the practices in the school and we fully accept the concerns expressed by our former pupils in the report. We also want to place on record at this time our regard for the sisters and lay staff who worked so hard in this school."

Dominican Sisters

Ran St Mary's residential school for deaf girls in Cabra, Dublin.

"We the Dominican Sisters Cabra are profoundly saddened by what we have read and heard concerning the Commission report. It would be unjust and dishonest of us to underestimate the damage done to so many young, vulnerable and innocent children throughout Ireland.

"We recognise that to attend St Mary's School for Deaf Girls, many pupils had to leave home at a very young age in order to receive an education appropriate to their needs. We apologise unreservedly to any past pupil who may have perceived or experienced her schooling as an additional burden or who suffered any form of abuse while in our care. However we cannot deny the pioneering and creative work carried out by generations of committed staffs to ensure that the pupils received the best possible education."

May 24, 2009

Comments

#1 Patrick C. Rice commented, on May 25, 2009 at 9:48 a.m.:

I've never cried easily, but reading all the reports of late made me cry. Why? Because at last my secret is out in the open. I kept quiet and denied my past life once I entered the outside world. It was not easy to do because I knew so very little. I was almost 17 before I learned there was a difference between boys and girls! Birthday and Christmas presents I knew nothing of. In 2006 I discovered why I'd spent all of my childhood in Industrial schools. Charged in 1934 at Dublin DC as a two year old with begging Judge Cussen sentenced me to 14 years. The only possessions I owned was my name Charlie and number 11,536. October 1947 a strange woman arrived at Artane to collect me. She asked my name: "Charlie Rice." She looked at the brother: "Have you got the correct boy?" "What's your number boy?" That was an easy question, I would not get beaten later. The woman: "Your name is Patrick." So I was able to leave Charlie behind and try to forget about 'him'. I never got to know that woman (birth mother) or saw her again because I ran away. By 17 I was in England and never had a home in Ireland. The stigma and deep shame of having been in one of those places left its mark. No wonder no one came to visit I was a criminal! The abuses I suffered were normal part of life I knew no different, but they served to show me the dark side of life. I've achieved goals that many experts still say are impossible and I agree, but then I'm a 'one off'. I have just completed writing my story. It's in for proof reading at present and I'm hoping to find a publisher when it's ready. I've had many requests for to write it, as it's a story of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's. I've called it 'The Impossible Dream."

#2 Daithi M commented, on May 26, 2009 at 4:04 p.m.:

Thanks Patrick

#3 Mary Dunleavy commented, on May 28, 2009 at 5:59 a.m.:

Could someone please explain this sentence in the apology given by the Christian Brothers.
'We acknowledge and regret that our responses to physical and sexual abuse failed to consider the long-term psychological effects on children.'

I think it should read
'We acknowledge and regret that our responses to physical and sexual abuse failed those in our care.'
Why dress it up and why print it...it is time for TRUTH not dressed up meaningless media speak!!!

#4 Ros commented, on May 29, 2009 at 7:38 a.m.:

Patrick I wish I could give you a big hug. Your story has reduced me to tears just imagining the loveless childhood you and all the other unfortunate children had in these horrible homes. I hope you made a good life for yourself in the UK and that you now have a loving family.

#5 Orla O'Meara commented, on May 29, 2009 at 12:54 p.m.:

Did anyone know of Matthew Joseph O'Meara who was in the Christian Brothers home, St Josephs, Salthill, Galway. He was in the home from 1934 to 1946. I

#6 Patrick C Rice commented, on May 31, 2009 at 9:55 a.m.:

Ros, Thanks for your comment. Yes I made very good by most peoples standards. I retired at age 54 having climbed to a position of Superintendent with Lockheed Aircraft. When I look back on my life I can scarce believe where I've been and what I've done. The best thing to happen was to find a young factory girl from Co. Durham. She gave me unconditional love, though I never discovered why. That love inspired me to reach goals in sport (represented my country) and life in general. The greatest achievement was to care for my love alone when she could no longer speak, move and was about 80lbs with bad pressure sores. I trusted no one to enter our lives. The doctors told me she would not last overnight in 2003. She passed away in Dec 2007! By caring for her on my own 24/7 365days a year we made it to 52 years married. Those years were the most wonderful precious time to show my love. The experts said I was a 'one off that kept pushing the boundaries.' I've never seen boundaries just done things my way.