Child abuse survivors reject Cardinal’s apology

The Irish Survivors of Child Abuse group, set up to help victims of clerical sexual abuse, is criticising Cardinal Desmond Connell’s apology for failing to deal with the scandal.

The letter by the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, which was read out at masses around Ireland yesterday, has provoked strong criticism.

John Kelly, founder of the Irish Survivors of Child Abuse group, said that the letter was not born out of any sense of compassion for the victims.

"This had to be dragged out of the clergy and the religious in general.

"For years, we have campaigned, we've had protests outside in the streets.

"When we asked them not to be so insensitive, to hold mass, to celebrate all of the Christian Brothers' good works, whilst abuse remained to be redressed; he ignored us then so why should we have any confidence in him now. He forced victims onto the street," he said.