Survey launches as part of investigation into historical sexual abuse in schools
A new survey is inviting survivors of sexual abuse in Irish schools between 1927 and 2013 to come forward and offer their input to an ongoing investigation.
The survey forms part of the work being carried out by The Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Schools, which was set up in July of last year.
The Commission was established following a scoping inquiry which concluded in 2024.
Within this scoping inquiry, thirteen Waterford schools run by religious orders were implicated for alleged historical sexual abuse offences.
Scoil Lorcain CBS Primary School had the highest number of allegations (20).
Waterpark College CBS had the second highest number of allegations, with 17.
Other local schools named in the scoping inquiry include:
• St. Declan’s De La Salle (Primary)
• Mount Sion CBS (Primary)
• Mount Melleray College (Post-Primary) (Closed in 1974)
• St. Augustine’s College Dungarvan (Post-Primary)
• Mount Sion CBS (Post-Primary)
• Dungarvan CBS (Primary)
• Tramore CBS (Primary)
• St. Stephen’s De La Salle (Primary)
• Dungarvan CBS (Post-Primary)
• De La Salle College (Post-Primary)
• St. Angela’s (Post-Primary)
The survey is available at the newly established website: commissionofinvestigation.ie
It is open to survivors of historical child sexual abuse in schools, family members acting on behalf of survivors in certain circumstances, and others with relevant information.
Responses to the survey will help toâ¯determineâ¯the focus ofâ¯the next stages of the Commission’s investigative work.
In a statement, the Commission said it is committed to a trauma informed approach in all engagement.
