Letters to the Editor: Sectarian investigation into religious abusers in a secular state

A reader says the Education Minister should allow victims of abuse in Protestant-ethos schools to contact the scoping inquiry 

Education Minister Norma Foley speaking to media following the announcement in March that a scoping inquiry would shape the Government’s response to revelations of historical sexual abuse in schools run by religious orders. File picture: Damien Storan

The scoping inquiry into abuse in schools run by religious orders wants to delay its report because of the extensive volume and nature of responses. A reason given for the inquiry’s sectarian basis, which excludes Protestant participation, was the need to complete investigations within a tight time frame. That excuse is unreasonable.

The Minister for Education should now allow victims of abuse from Protestant-ethos schools to contact the inquiry. The media should provide a supportive environment within which Protestants can narrate their experience.