Government will 'respond positively' to mediation requests from those abused in Cork school

Some 19 women have said they plan to take legal action against the State for its failure to provide redress . Principal Leo Hickey pleaded guilty to 21 sample counts from 387 charges of sexually abusing 21 girls at Dunderrow National School in the 1960s and 1970s

Micheál Martin: 'My understanding is that their legal representative has written in for mediation, and in my view, we should respond positively to that'. Picture:PA Wire

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Government will “respond positively” to requests for mediation from those who suffered abuse in a Cork school.

In 1998, disgraced school principal Leo Hickey was charged with historic abuse against pupils after pleading guilty to 21 sample counts from 387 charges of sexually abusing 21 girls at Dunderrow National School in Co Cork in the 1960s and 1970s.

In 2014, following a case taken by former pupil Louise O’Keeffe, the European court found that Ireland’s system of detection and reporting of abuse was ineffective in the 1970s, allowing more than 400 incidents of abuse. She later received compensation from the State.

Some 19 women have now said they plan to take legal action against the State for its failure to provide redress. Speaking on his way into Cabinet, Mr Martin indicated that the Government would engage with the survivors.

He said that Hickey committed “horrific sexual abuse” affecting many young children.

“My understanding is that their legal representative has written in for mediation, and in my view, we should respond positively to that,” the Taoiseach said.

“We should engage with the victims here and their representatives, and that's what we will do to.

“There had been ex-gratia schemes here, but I do fully understand the hurt and the experiences that these now adults, went through as children.

“There have been different legal issues around responsibility, and so forth, but it was clear at that time that the necessary guidelines went put in place.” 

Tánaiste Simon Harris, meanwhile, said that the Government is “extraordinarily eager to work on a process here that enables people to get a degree of closure and support”.

He said a scoping inquiry resulted in the establishment of a commission into institutional abuse, and that an interdepartmental group is examining recommendations on redress.

The Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and education minister Hildegarde Naughton were briefed on the workings of the redress group recently, and a report will be completed next year.

The Tánaiste said that survivors will be “listened to” as part of the process but also suggested that religious institutions must take responsibility.

“While I don't, in any way, step away from the responsibility of the State in various issues, I would also not like to see a situation where religious orders are allowed to walk away from their responsibilities either,” he said.

“What levers could be pursued by the State in relation to making sure that religious voters also make a contribution?”