'The suffering endured by these children is unimaginable ' - Bishop Cullinan
Most Rev Alphonsus Cullinan said the revelations contained within the report are 'harrowing'
Thirteen Waterford schools featured on the recently published scoping inquiry.
Scoil Lorcain CBS had the highest number of allegations with 20, which were all made against one alleged abuser.
The recent scoping inquiry set its timeframe for assessing the potential number of allegations of historical sexual abuse as covering those incidents that were alleged to have occurred within living memory, taken as being a period from 1927 to 2013.
In 1999, it was reported that a religious cleric, a Brother who was a former principal of a Waterford primary school was sentenced to eight years in prison.
A 1998 report from the Irish Times covering the case revealed the man had pleaded guilty to 51 charges of sexual assault and two charges of gross indecency.
"The offences involved 11 victims and occurred in Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Wicklow, Kildare and Tipperary between 1977 and 1988," read the report.
It added: "It took the court registrar, Mr Brendan Scollen, over 10 minutes to read out the 53 charges to which Kelly pleaded guilty from an indictment of some 150.”
Presiding over the proceedings, Judge Frank O'Donnell, ruled that the precise locations of the offences should not be published.
An Irish Independent article from 2002 further outlined: “On February 1 1999, after Judge Frank O'Donnell had passed sentence, it acknowledged extreme pain, hurt and trauma was suffered by those [who were] abused”.
In 2023, upwards of 14 men from Waterford came forward to allege they were abused by a former teacher and guidance counsellor. That abuse reportedly took place across three decades.
A Déise Today special by Damien Tiernan in 2023, detailed the allegations and experiences of the alleged victims.
It was further reported that the abuser, died in 2019. He was reportedly investigated by gardaí a number of times but was never prosecuted.
The Waterford News & Star approached Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan for comment on the report.
He said: “It was deeply saddening to see the recent publication of the Scoping Report that has brought to light distressing allegations of sexual abuse against children within institutions run by religious orders.
“The revelations contained in this report are harrowing and serve as a stark reminder of the failures that have occurred within our institutions," he said.
"It is imperative that we confront this dark chapter with transparency and accountability," he added.
Bishop Cullinan went on to comment: "The suffering endured by these children is unimaginable, and we are committing and must continue to commit ourselves to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.”
Bishop Cullinan said that the the alleged abuses have cast shadows over the church's reputation: “While the inquiry focused specifically on schools run by religious orders, we must also remember that similar experiences have existed throughout wider society during this period and this has been recognised by the Minister of Education in that the Commission of Investigation will be broadened to include all schools."
"I wish to acknowledge that this is also a very difficult time for the vast majority of the members of the religious institutions who have dedicated their lives to serving God and aiding those in need," he said.
"Many have lived lives marked by compassion, charity, and selflessness. It is essential to understand that while some individuals have betrayed their vows and caused harm, countless others continue their mission with integrity and commitment.
"This is undoubtedly a challenging time for them as well; they too are affected by the shadows cast over our Church’s reputation due to the actions of a few."
He added that parishes across the diocese of Waterford & Lismore, and indeed across the country enact dedicated child-safeguarding measures.
“In every parish in this Diocese there are dedicated child-safeguarding persons who along with the priests are trained to ensure a happy and safe environment for all children. I very much wish to commend their work," he said.
“We must also provide support for victims, ensuring they receive the care and counselling necessary to deal with past traumatic experience and hopefully find some healing," he added.
“The Catholic Church has a moral obligation to stand firmly against any form of abuse."
Many schools formerly run by the Christian Brothers, are now operated under the auspices of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust.
A spokesperson from the Trust said: “We unequivocally condemn all forms of sexual abuse that took place in schools. We readily acknowledge the hurt caused to victims of sexual abuse and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to all those who have been deeply hurt by such abuse.
“Edmund Rice Schools Trust wishes to ensure that schools today are safe places for all, and that the highest standards of child safeguarding are in place, along with the ongoing development of a culture of care, openness and transparency.
“Edmund Rice Schools Trust co-operated fully with the Scoping Inquiry over the past year and provided the information required as comprehensively and honestly as possible. We will continue to cooperate fully with any future inquiries or investigations."
Four Waterford schools were contacted for a statement on the report. No responses were received at time of publication.
An Garda Síochána is appealing to anyone who may have information, including as a witness, relating to crimes of Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools run by Religious Orders, to make contact with them so that such crimes can be investigated.
A spokesperson said, “An Garda Síochána is fully aware of the profound impact on the lives of those who were subject to such abuse, many of whom who may only be disclosing this information for the first time. An Garda Síochána will deal with any matters reported by complainants in a sensitive manner and will, where possible, progress matters through investigation. Just three days after An Garda Síochána made this appeal on Wednesday 4th September, over 160 contacts were received nationally.
For the purpose of reporting to An Garda Síochána, the following options are available. By emailing GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie. By phoning the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222. This is a confidential and free service available 24/7. Calling to your local Garda Station
