Child abuse survivors want commission scrapped

The Survivors of Child Abuse in Ireland group (SOCA) has called for the Laffoy Commission to be replaced with a criminal inquiry into clerical child sex abuse.

The call followed revelations yesterday that the Pope sent a letter to every Catholic bishop in 1962 ordering them to keep all child abuse allegations secret.

The letter also warned that any bishop who broke the code of silence could be excommunicated.

SOCA spokesman John Kelly said this, coupled with the Government's reluctance to act against the church, proved the need for a criminal inquiry.

"Michael McDowell, the Minister for Justice, he promised us and ensured us that these people would not get away with any crimes," Mr Kelly said.

"The reality is this minister is full of spin. Victims are being paid money through the back door to exonerate and clear the conscience of the Government and allow the people of the church who committed these crimes to get away with atrocious acts."