Almost 2,400 allegations of abuse against religious schools in Ireland

A new abuse report by the Irish government contains shocking figures: According to the findings published on Tuesday evening, around 2,400 relevant allegations have been registered relating to cases in Catholic religious schools. More than 880 alleged perpetrators at more than 300 such schools in all parts of the country were accused of sexual abuse. The figures relate to incidents between 1927 and 2013, and more than half of those accused have since died.

The main sources of the new figures are the religious orders and the schools themselves. There are also almost 150 statements from those affected. Education Minister Norma Foley called the scale of the cases "staggering". The survivors' reports were evidence of unbelievable horror - often associated with lifelong consequences. The minister announced the establishment of a commission of enquiry to ensure comprehensive clarification. In addition, the religious orders are required to provide financial compensation.

The Association of Catholic Religious Orders in Ireland (AMRI) assured that it would carefully examine the findings of the new government report and respond accordingly. The association also promised to cooperate fully with the investigation. In a statement, it said: "We recognise that we can never measure the extent of the pain and suffering that the survivors have endured and continue to endure." (KNA)