RCNI Press Release 27 May 2009

Rape Crisis Response to CORI statement

The RCNI welcome the statement by CORI at their Presentation to the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs. We welcome that they recognise that further substantial contributions will have to be made by the religious congregations as redress and that all options must be on the agenda. However, the statement continues to make reference to “assisting victims” and includes no detail regarding the manner by which any assessment of funds to be made available is to be calculated, and by whom.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Director said, ‘the religious cannot continue to have a role in assisting the victims of their systemic abuses. Any involvement by these orders, which includes dealing directly with victims of abuse or administering funding or services to same, is completely unacceptable. Any such funds must be handed over to independent bodies accountable to the State.

‘Anything else would in effect mean the government are simply handing over responsibility to the religious. This would be a continuation of the State’s neglectful practices identified so devastatingly in the Ryan Report.

‘Whilst these religious orders are gradually recognising the extent of the damage perpetrated, the history of self-protection and lack of accountability is deeply entrenched and is part of an international pattern. This Government cannot allow these orders to continue to have any involvement of decision-making capacity in relation to those abused in their care.’

For information Contact

Cliona Saidlear 087 2196447
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