Dept 'deeply regrets' failure to protect child abuse victims

The Department of Education has said it deeply regrets significant failings in its responsibility towards children in Ireland's industrial schools.

Giving evidence to the Child Abuse Commission today, the department's secretary general said it was clear the State did not provide a sufficient level of care in such institutions.

Bridget McManus said all industrial schools should have been inspected annually, but this did not take place.

She said Artane boys' school in Dublin was not inspected at all over a three-year period in the 1950s, while in 1975, no inspections were carried out at any industrial schools throughout the State.

Ms McManus said records also showed that complaints by parents were regarded as insignificant and the explanation offered by religious orders managing industrial schools was usually accepted without further investigation.