Mount Sion primary school issues statement on historic abuses

Mount Sion primary school has issued a statement regarding the recently published report of the scoping inquiry into historical sexual abuse in schools run by religious orders.

Thirteen Waterford schools were named in the report. Mount Sion had five allegations of historic abuse made against four alleged abusers.

Principal Catherine Burke on behalf of the school gave the following statement to Waterford News & Star: “As a school community, we are deeply shocked and saddened by the findings of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders. Our thoughts are with survivors and their families at this time.

“The report is extremely upsetting and survivors have shown extraordinary courage in coming forward to share their experiences.

“For anyone who is concerned, while the Scoping Inquiry examined historical sexual abuse, pleased be assured that the Report found that the current child protection systems and frameworks in schools are robust."

“We have been assured that the government is committed to a serious response and that is why it has agreed to accept the Scoping Inquiry’s principal recommendation to establish a Commission of Investigation," said the school in its statement

“We will continue to work with the Department of Education, Board of Management and our school community on any issues arising from the Scoping Inquiry report."

Three other Waterford schools were contacted for a statement on the report. A statement which was received from Waterpark is available at waterford-news.ie