Sex abuse inquiry starts after delay hits 15 months

AN inquiry into clerical sexual abuse in the Diocese of Ferns is finally up and running – over 15 months after it was promised.

A team has begun sifting through a mountain of paperwork and files received from victims and from church authorities, as well as the legal profession.

The terms of reference of the inquiry suggest it should take no longer than a year.

If it takes longer, an interim report must be published.

But it could be months before any of the victims in Wexford give testimony to the non-statutory inquiry.

The delay in setting up the investigation strengthens the case for a statutory inquiry, as provided under the Commission of Investigations Bill, 2003 announced in the past fortnight by the justice minister, victims say.

Former bishop, Brendan Comiskey, is due back from the US to give evidence.

Nine settlements have been made involving the diocese, a spokesman said yesterday. Among the largest was Colm O’Gorman’s who is director of the victims’ group OneinFour.

He was abused by the late Fr Sean Fortune for two-and-a-half years from. the early 1980s when aged 14.

Mr O’Gorman settled his case for €300,000. Last night, he said he was delighted the inquiry was finally started.

“This inquiry was agreed on April 2, 2002. The delay highlights some of the difficulties encountered in setting up a non-statutory inquiry and makes a powerful case for a statutory office of inquiry.

“There will have to be inquiries in the Dublin Archdiocese and in the south of the country. A statutory office should be set up before these probes begin,” he said.

Up to 40 people have contacted OneinFour with information critical to the inquiry.

Each of these will most likely give testimony.

The inquiry is being chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Mr Frank Murphy.

In line with the recommendations contained in George Birmingham’s preliminary report, two other specialist members have been appointed Dr Helen Buckley has been appointed as a specialist in child protection issues.

She is a senior research fellow and senior lecturer in the Department of Social Studies, Trinity College Dublin.

Dr Lorraine Joyce has been appointed to assist in reviewing the structures of the organisations within the scope of the inquiry.

She is deputy director of the Office for Health Management.