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.

Mr Justice Ryan’s recommendations fall far short of the full-scale probe promised by the Government. Nor will victims be assuaged by Education Minister Noel Dempsey’s assertion that the Government was guilty of an error of judgement when it promised that all allegations would be probed.

Yet, it is hard to quibble with the judge’s conclusion that estimates of 11 years for such a process are optimistic. Instead, he recommends giving discretion to his team on which cases to hear following a preliminary scrutiny of documents.

Having got it wrong, the Government wanted to speed up the process by examining a sample of allegations. Though couched in language intended to appease the concerns of victims opposed to a process of selection, the Ryan report will be seen by many as sampling by another name.

Many of those who hoped to name and shame their abusers will be disappointed. Significantly, however, the Government has accepted the commission be allowed to make findings about particular allegations of abuse.

Given the positive response of one victim group, the investigative side of the commission’s work is likely to be expedited. With many victims opting to go before the non-adversarial redress board, the numbers seeking a full investigation are falling dramatically. Experience shows that once people have appeared before the redress board, which can award compensation, many want closure of such highly emotive issues.

Hopefully, with the judge intending immediately to consult the various groups involved in the inquiry, its work will be completed much faster than anticipated.

It behoves the Government to demonstrate its willingness to elicit the awful truth of what went on behind the high walls of institutions by moving to amend the act without further delay. It is absolutely crucial to ensure that victims have confidence in the commission process. Trust between the parties, seriously damaged by the Government’s shoddy treatment of Ms Justice Laffoy, must be restored.

Unless closure is brought to these tragic matters as expeditiously as possible, many of the ageing victims will never get the justice they crave and fully deserve.