Newspaper Articles
Personal Stories/OpinionsNewspaper Articles Archive sitemap privacy © 2003
Once again I find myself infuriated by the Irish Government and its legal system's closed-door view on child abuse. As reported recently, the diocese of Stockton, California paid a settlement of $3m to a victim of the Limerick priest Oliver O'Grady who, to add insult to injury, is now living in this country. The Bishop of the diocese is even quoted as saying how he looks forward to reaching fair and just resolutions for the victims of childhood sexual abuse.
In Ireland we have the Residential Institute Redress Board, where the victims of this horrific abuse are left to relive their ordeals alone. Damages are awarded to a maximum of €300,000 and then the victim has to sign away their right to civil justice and agree to silence or face a fine or imprisonment. When will this epidemic of hiding child abuse stop in this country?
Shane Doyle,
Co Meath
Ireland