Experts appointed to historical school sex abuse commission

In the weeks after their experiences aired in the RTÉ documentary ‘Blackrock Boys’, many survivors of abuse in schools across the country came forward. Picture: PA

Four commissioners are to be appointed to the landmark Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Schools.

The commission was launched last year following an initial scoping inquiry published in 2024 that detailed almost 2,400 allegations of sexual abuse across more than 300 religious-run schools.

That inquiry was launched in 2022 after brothers Mark and David Ryan first spoke publicly about the abuse they suffered while students at Blackrock College in Dublin.

In the weeks after their experiences aired in the RTÉ documentary ‘Blackrock Boys’, many survivors of abuse in schools across the country came forward.

The Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Schools was launched last summer, and will examine all schools.

Education minister Hildegarde Naughton is to seek Government approval on Tuesday for the appointments, which will include a senior legal consultant and child safeguarding experts.

A spokeswoman for the minister said the move “marks an important milestone in addressing the painful legacy of abuse in Irish day and boarding schools".

 The Commission is currently in its establishment phase, putting in place the necessary legal, technical and data protection frameworks, she added.

“A survivor-centred, trauma-informed approach will guide its work.

“It is essential that survivors can share their experiences safely, with their information handled in line with data protection law and best practice,” the spokeswoman said.

“Minister Naughton has commended the Commission for ensuring these safeguards are in place before engagement begins.”

Announcing the establishment of the commission last summer, then education minister Helen McEntee vowed that the institutions and religious orders “involved in these awful crimes” would contribute to redress.

The State has a track record of failure when it comes to compelling religious orders to contribute financially towards victims.

• Jess Casey, Education Correspondent