Scoping inquiry: Abuse figures reported by religious orders is ‘tip of the iceberg’ - Kilkenny survivor

A Kilkennyman who suffered sexual abuse as a schoolboy has said the recently published Scoping Inquiry may merely represent ‘the tip of the iceberg’, and has urged fellow survivors to come forward.

Eight Kilkenny institutions have been named in the report on allegations of sexual abuse at schools run by religious orders. The damning 700-page report names 308 schools across the country where a total of 2,395 allegations of historical abuse against 884 alleged abusers were reported.

The local man, whose abuser is currently before the courts in relation to other alleged offences, feels the figures put forward by the report fall well short of the true figures.

His abuser is a former Christian Brother who is currently serving a prison sentence for indecently assaulting several boys decades ago. The 72-year-old has multiple convictions for the historic indecent assault of a number of boys at a primary school in County Kilkenny.

Speaking to the Kilkenny People this week, the survivor, who is now in his 50s, said the publication of the report had stirred up a lot of issues for others affected.

“The figures were provided by the (religious institutions) themselves. They are not a true representation of the truth,” he said.

“It is the tip of the iceberg. These numbers need to be challenged. I know this is only a scoping inquiry, but it needs to be comprehensive. An investigation is certainly welcome, but only if there is a commitment to the truth.
READ MORE: WE CAN NEVER KNOW THEIR PAIN

“I don’t think we will ever know the true extent of it. I know there are other victims who have spoken to me, but they will never (publicly) come forward.”

He has been in contact with gardaí and has also arranged meetings with local TDs including John McGuinness and Malcolm Noonan to relay his concerns. He points out that just two individuals who taught at one school and have been before the courts have more than 150 convictions between them, with dozens of victims. This, he says, suggests the numbers put forward in the scoping inquiry fall well short of the actual numbers.

“We have all needlessly carried this for many years. I am hopeful a commission of investigation will afford survivors the opportunity to have a voice,” he said. “But I am concerned. If the religious orders are presenting this, where are these figures coming from?

"They are anomalous and they are not correct. They are insulting to be honest. If something like this is put forward, it needs to be challenged.”

The scoping inquiry from the Government revealed it had contacted 73 religious orders that ran or are still running schools in the State. Six institutions in County Kilkenny were named in this inquiry’s report.

Seventeen allegations of abuse against four alleged abusers were reported at Kilkenny CBS, Kilkenny (primary) run by the Christian Brothers.  Eight allegations of abuse against three alleged abusers were reported at De La Salle NS, Kilkenny run by the De La Salle Brothers

Seven allegations of abuse against three alleged abusers were reported at St Joseph's College, Freshford, Kilkenny (post-primary) run by the Mill Hill Missionaries. 

Four allegations of abuse against two alleged abusers were reported at Callan CBS, Kilkenny (primary) run by the Christian Brothers.  Two allegations of abuse against two alleged abusers were reported at Callan CBS, Kilkenny (secondary) run by the Christian Brothers. Two allegations of abuse against two alleged abusers were reported at Kilkenny CBS, Kilkenny (secondary) run by the Christian Brothers.

One allegation against one alleged abuser was reported at Castlecomer Community School run by Congregation of the Presentation Sisters (PBVM).