Catholic Church Abuse.

[oscartango]

This government won't last forever and it's now Labour Party policy to begin changes that will end up with publicly funded schools in public ownership and control.

Dirty, filthy, Protestant Communism !

Where are the holy relics of Saint Theresa when we need them ?

[imokyrok]

Do you think the State has any intention of doing such a thing? Why do you think we have the situation we have? Even many in the church would probably at this stage prefer the State to properly take over the education system.

And are people going to vote for parties who raise sufficient taxation to properly run the state and pay for sufficient state-run services (in education and other areas?)

Don't the state already pay for all these services? When's the last time the church paid to build new school buildings or for the site of a new school? The state pays salaries and running costs as well. The church should hand over ownership of all school property to the state in reparation. It's the least they could do.

[marmurr1916]

Dirty, filthy, Protestant Communism !

Where are the holy relics of Saint Theresa when we need them ?

I have it on good authority that her relics were swapped for the remains of a S****mac's Chicken Snack Box on her last visit to Galway.

Since then, people have been holding novenas over a set of chicken bones.

[onthefence]

I just finished reading the executive summary. I thought I would be ready for it but its still quiet shocking. You have to feel for the children who where put into these institutions and in particular those with a mental or physical disability.

I am reminded of Edmund Burke "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing"

I also would like to thank the people who worked on the report, we owe them.

[kvof]

Now would be the perfect time for a referendum on changing the constitution to allow the state to take ownerhship and control of all taxpayer supported schools.

I would go much further. Start by confiscating all church property for further compensation. The Roman Catholic Church is a political organisation with vast worldwide property, land banks and wealth. Internationally there enough victims to launch a legal case against the bosses in Rome.

The Roman Catholic Church is hardly even christian, it is a political organisation with almost nothing to do with religion and even less to do with spirituality. It's sole purpose is to enslave its followers with dogma and man made rules.

[Tony_1975]

Now you're just being a silly knee-jerker.

No, I'm not. It's a position I have held for many years. It's a black and white issue. The catholic church are not fit run a chicken farm, let alone a school.

[PeeMac]

Don't the state already pay for all these services? When's the last time the church paid to build new school buildings or for the site of a new school? The state pays salaries and running costs as well. The church should hand over ownership of all school property to the state in reparation. It's the least they could do.

The state doesn't want to take over control of the schools because then they would be responsible for what happens in them. As that poor lady in Cork found out although the state wants to shirk responsibility for any wrongdoing by teachers. Shameless, Gutless politicians.

[tmesis2008]

The report says that the Christian Brothers Order was defensive in the way it responded to complaints and claims the order fails to accept any congregational responsibility for such abuse.

More allegations were made against the Christian Brothers than all of the other male orders combined.

RTÉ News: Sexual abuse was 'endemic' in institutions

How did it happen? 1, 2, 3 abusers in each institution, up to 14 years in some cases. Endemic sexual abuse. Gross and abitary physical abuse. People who knew but did nothing to stop it. Nothing for decades.

The report says that the excuse that "we didn't understand" in regards to sexual abuse is not accepted, and that there is much evidence to show that they DID understand. Claims that they didn't have the resources to look after children properly are also refuted by the report. The children supplied the labour, for large profits.

And some have the cheek, the bare-faced cheek to say that this "religion" of theirs is now the answer to greed and consumerism. Some have the nerve to say that their organisation is the upholder of moral order. Let us have no more of that.

How did it happen? Was it an immoral generation? Was it religion? Was it supression of sexuality? Was it ignorance? Is it what happens when power and respect are given unchecked to those who say they have been "called" to it?

[Disabled student]

As a ex-pupil of St Joseph's Cabra, i am not surprised as regards to the detail in the reports. It has been going on for many years.

I was shocked to see it re physical/sexual abuses when i went there for the first time even on the 1st day. It went on as if nothing has happened. They turned a blind eye to what was happening there.

Although i was asked to give evidence to the investigative committee but my solicitor advised me against it. Eventually at the end of the day, they couldn't summon all the witness to give their evidence.

So they selected few others. It would be explosive if it were revealed in the fullest details on the basis of all the witness's evidence gathered together. Gardai were aware of it way back before the commission were formed.

[Factorem]

Don't the state already pay for all these services? When's the last time the church paid to build new school buildings or for the site of a new school? The state pays salaries and running costs as well. The church should hand over ownership of all school property to the state in reparation. It's the least they could do.

More knee-jerkism.

The parents can decide if they wish to continue to send their children to Church run schools. The Christian Brothers have an excellent reputation when it comes to excellence in education. Let's not lose sight of this fact.