Should we name and shame those unable to defend themselves?

A YEAR after Bishop Brendan Comiskey fell on his sword in a swirl of controversy the Government has announced the terms of reference of an inquiry into how exactly allegations of child sexual abuse were handled

A year might seem like a long time but the terms of reference may have been worth the wait. They look thorough enough to get to the truth of a complex and tragic story. Why did people turn a blind eye to the evil in their midst? What combination of cynicism, ignorance or weakness let the children of Ferns down? Two experts have been appointed to assist retired Supreme Court Judge Frank Murphy in the inquiry.

Dr Helen Buckley, who worked on the national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children, will be the inquiry's specialist in child protection issues.