Christian Brothers challenge Laffoy brief

THE Christian Brothers have questioned the ability of the Laffoy Commission to make any findings where the evidence of alleged victims of child abuse cannot be challenged.

Lawyers for the order yesterday urged the Commission to avoid reaching any conclusion where the supposed abusers were no longer alive.

However, the Commission was also warned that many alleged victims would not be willing to co-operate further with the inquiry if the Commission chairperson, Ms Justice Mary Laffoy, ultimately made such a ruling. Yesterday's public hearing of the Commission in Dublin heard legal argument on behalf of a number of religious orders and alleged victims about whether the time lapse in hearing the cases would prejudice the alleged offenders.