RCNI Press Release 09 November 2005

Rape Crisis Network seeks clarification on selection criteria of Dublin Inquiry

The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) in welcoming the upcoming inquiry into sex abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese, would welcome an early and public indication of the criteria to be used for selecting the cases in the “representative sample” to be scrutinised by Judge Murphy and her team.

Kate Mulkerrins, RCNI legal coordinator said, ‘while we support the Minister’s step to limit the inquiry so as to avoid a protracted inquiry, it is imperative that the public feel reassured that the true extent of the abuse that occurred informs our responses to the current situation. The need for haste, however, must not allow the truth to be diluted.

As the Minister for Justice quite rightly states the process of inquiry needs to lead to tangible change. The process of investigating the truth must be open and transparent. It is vital that it leads to a timely outline of any bad practice which sustained abuse over the years. The purpose of limiting the inquiry must be to right great wrongs of the past, learn lessons and identify and make the necessary changes.’

Notes and Statistics:
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.

For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear: 087 2196447
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