Representatives of survivors of abuse at institutions investigated by the Ryan Commission have expressed disappointment at the composition of a new committee set up to plan a memorial for former residents of the institutions, writes Religious Affairs Correspondent Patsy McGarry .
Such a memorial was a recommendation in the Ryan report. Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe announced the committee would be chaired by Seán Benton, former chairman of the Office of Public Works, with Bernadette Fahy and Paddy Doyle representing survivors. A sum of €500,000 is being provided for the project.
Victim support groups accused Mr O’Keeffe of having “secretly appointed” a committee which included “two unelected former residents”. They expressed “shock” at the appointments.
The Irish Times 22nd October 2009
