Shatter: Up to gardaí to investigate school case
Mr Shatter called on the management of Coláiste Cholmcille, Gweedore, Co Donegal, to “explain their thought process” in continuing to hire Ferry after he was convicted in 2002 of sexually abusing a child.
He declined to comment on reports gardaí were investigating claims of a paedophile ring in Gweedore, of which Ferry was part.
Garda sources confirmed that a “wider investigation” had now been set up after another person came forward and claimed there were more abusers than Ferry.
Gardaí said it was too early to say if there was veracity to the claims, but said they would be thoroughly investigated.
It is understood no claims were made during the prosecution of Ferry of more abusers from any of the four victims.
However, one of the victims, Derek Mulligan, who waived his anonymity after Ferry was sentenced to 18 years for raping and sexually abusing four boys, yesterday said he believed there was a ring.
In a statement, Coláiste Cholmcille said that after his conviction, Ferry did continue to work “on occasion” at the school, but claimed this was in the company of building workers or staff.
On RTÉ radio, Mr Shatter said it was not up to the Department of Justice to contact the school.
“In the context of the manner in which these individuals conducted themselves, it is a matter for the gardaí to determine now whether there’s an investigation required as to whether there was any criminal failures that could result in a prosecution arising out of that. That is strictly a matter for An Garda Síochána.”
He said the school authorities knew their obligations under the 1999 Children First Guidelines to inform the health board about any risk of child abuse.
He admitted this was a voluntary set of guidelines and there was no legal obligation. But, he added: “Frankly, I’m appalled this man remained in that employment.”
In relation to the Health Service Executive, Mr Shatter said Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald had asked for a report.
The director of the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland, Fiona Neary, said there were questions for the HSE: “We need to know did the social services take any action. Did they try and identify were any children being abused or at risk and what action did they take?”
On the school authorities, she said: “Child protection is everyone’s business. By continuing to support a risky situation [in continuing to employ him] they enable this abuser.”
A spokeswoman for the HSE said they were “reviewing its involvement” in relation to the Ferry case.
* 24-hour rape crisis helpline: 1800 788 888.
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