Abuse victims barred from scheme ‘should be compensated’

Hundreds of sex abuse victims should be compensated by the State without having to prove a prior complaint was made to authorities, the Government will be told next week.

Fianna Fáil will table a private members’ motion seeking redress for victims abused by people who were employed in schools but who have already been convicted. Victims have been excluded from a redress scheme because they are unable to prove a prior complaint was made about the abuse.

The situation, and the interpretation of the law is “failing abysmally” to grant justice to sex abuse victims where perpetrators have not only been identified but have also been convicted, argues the Opposition party.