We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht – Questions on Policy or Legislation

Historical abuse redress case

Summary

Deputy O'Hara raised an individual Galway constituent abused by a Christian Brother and facing possible High Court proceedings because State redress requests have gone unanswered. The Taoiseach said he may know the case but cannot deal with every individual matter on the floor and that cases must be assessed individually.

Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

We have ten Members left and five minutes remaining. Everyone needs to understand that. We do not have enough time and we have too many Deputies who want to speak.

Comment on this

I raise the case of a constituent in County Galway who has experienced lifelong difficulties and trauma as a result of historical abuse at the hands of a member of the Christian Brothers who was his primary school teacher. The individual who carried out the abuse has since been convicted. My constituent's legal representatives have written to successive Ministers requesting redress from the State but those letters have fallen on deaf ears. His solicitor has advised him that he may have to initiate High Court proceedings, which would cause him further grief and trauma and would be extremely costly. He should not be forced to go through the courts system. He is simply asking for the compensation he is entitled to without being subjected to further trauma. Specifically, he is asking for the same opportunity for mediation as was offered only recently to other survivors of abuse. Can that be facilitated? My constituent wishes to remain anonymous but I am happy to pass on his details.

Comment on this

I may be familiar with that case. Deputy Albert Dolan may have contacted me about it; I am not sure if it is the same one. I cannot deal with every individual case on the floor of the House. I outlined earlier the broader approach the Government is taking. Each case will have to be examined on a case-by-case basis at the moment.

Comment on this