Closure is imperative for victims

FOR hundreds of victims of abuse by members of religious orders, the review of the work of the commission investigating their appalling experiences brings a glimmer of hope that this sordid chapter of Irish life may finally be moving towards closure.

Among the most harrowing issues of our times, the abuse of those entrusted to the care of priests, brothers and nuns has left an indelible blot on the social conscience of this country. With more than 1,700 victims looking to the commission for justice, it is vital to resume the work delayed since the resignation of Ms Justice Mary Laffoy over the Government’s failure to adequately resource the commission.

In his analysis of the commission’s difficulties, Mr Justice Sean Ryan underlines the fact that, in framing legislation, the Government asked the inquiry to do too much. In other words, the act covered such a broad spectrum that the probe was bound to become bogged down.