McAleese avoided meeting victims, says Buckley

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese praised the courage of abuse victims, even though she has been criticised for “avoiding” meetings with one survivor representative in the past.

In a statement, the President said the findings of the report by the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse revealed “an atrocious betrayal of love”.

“It is shocking and shameful that so many children had to endure such appalling suffering and abuse in institutions whose obligation and vocation it was to provide them with safe and loving care,” President McAleese said.