Statement from the Taoiseach on historic violence in Irish schools

Tonight's testimony on the historic violence inflicted on children in schools was harrowing viewing.

I commend all of those who told their stories.

I expect there will shortly be an update to the Government on the progress of establishing a Commission of Investigation into clerical sex abuse.

The publication of the scoping report, and the painful stories that have been told since, have exposed a culture of violence, of calculated cruelty and the abuse of power that victimised and terrorised generations of Irish children who still bear the wounds and have for all of their lives.

It is an unbearable burden which we must help lift.

I have listened carefully to survivors tonight about expanding the inquiry and will now reflect on the request as their voices cannot, and must not, be ignored or unheard.

This process cannot be rushed because it has to be right, and it has to respect the wishes of the victims who came forward.

Their voices which were silenced as defenceless children, even those whose parents tried to stand up against the barrage of brutality, are being heard and their bravery in reliving such terrible memories is testament to a national trauma which must be acknowledged.

ENDS