Gardaí investigate allegations of sexual abuse at Tipperary special school

The abuse is alleged to have taken place at St Anne's special school, which is located on the grounds Sean Ross Abbey mother and baby home in Roscrea, Co Tipperary

Gardaí are investigating several complaints of alleged sexual abuse at a special school in Co Tipperary.

The Irish Examiner understands the abuse involves up to nine children at St Anne’s special school in Roscrea, which is situated on the grounds of the former Sean Ross Abbey mother and baby home.

The allegations of abuse date back to between 1995 and 1996. A Garda investigation was launched in October 1996 from Templemore Garda Station, but received no public attention at the time.

In a statement, gardaí said they were “continuing a live ongoing criminal investigation into alleged assaults at an education facility in Co. Tipperary".

“An Garda Síochána cannot comment on a live investigation," they added.

The is newspaper has also learned some of the family members of the children affected also raised concerns of alleged “political interference” in the criminal investigation at the time.

Gardaí, however, said they had “not been made aware of any complaint of any interference with a criminal investigation”.

“An Garda Síochána would appeal to any person who believe they have information regarding alleged interference with a criminal investigation to formally and directly bring any allegations about this to either the attention of An Garda Síochána or the attention of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission so they can be examined.” 

The abuse came to light after some students told their parents, who subsequently contacted gardaí, leading to a wide-ranging investigation.

The accused was not an employee at the school or surrounding area and was described by some of the families involved as a “vulnerable person”.

To date, no criminal proceedings have been brought by the State, despite formal complaints made to gardaí and the school at the time — a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Daughters of Charity are responsible for St Anne's Services and have never been involved in the school.

The Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary were part of the school until it was handed over to the Diocese of Killaloe five years ago.

Sr Christina of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary wrote to the families of the children affected in 1997 to arrange individual meetings.

The Limerick parents and friends’ association of the mentally handicapped also contacted Sr Christina to ask her to "accept and acknowledge" that "there was a breakdown in the system over this issue".

When contacted, a spokesperson for the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary said: “We are saddened to hear of anyone who had a negative experience in our former school. Our commitment has always been to ensure every child is able to grow in a place of care and nurture.

“We are unaware of any live police investigation involving the actions of former students, but we will support in any way that we can if we are asked.”