McAleese calls for abusers to be charged

PRESIDENT Mary Mc-Aleese has called for criminal charges to be brought against abusers uncovered by the Ryan Report into child abuse in religious-run institutions.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern backed the call and urged victims who had not yet reported their ordeal to come forward and give the details to the gardaí.

A special phone line was set up at the office of Garda Assistant Commissioner Derek Byrne for anyone with information relevant to the abuse investigation to make their report. His dedicated number is 01-6663612, open during office hours from Monday to Friday, or alternatively people can write to his team at: Offices of the Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services, Harcourt Square, Dublin.