LIMERICK Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan has raised the ongoing issue of the former Creagh Lane primary school and the efforts of the men who were abused as children to seek redress from the State.
Taoiseach Michéal Martin said he was committed to trying to get a resolution to the concerns raised by County Cork abuse survivor Louise O’Keefe in her recent letter to him. He had previously stated that progress had been made with a view to re-opening the ex-gratia payment scheme.
Sinn Féin TD challenged Mr Martin to explain what progress has been made to date and time frame as to when he anticipates this matter to be resolved.
Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday Deputy Quinlivan stated: “It is 22 years since Ms. O’Keefe commenced her action and unfortunately for many school abuse survivors, time is not on their side.
“Can the Taoiseach or Minister for Education confirm if and when the ex-gratia payment scheme will be re-opened?
“Like myself, the Taoiseach met with abuse survivors in Limerick and I am sure that you were equally appalled by their memories of the trauma and fear during years that should have been carefree and happy. One survivor at Creagh Lane National School, Limerick stated that ‘a good day at school was when he wasn’t molested’.”
Deputy Quinlivan called for the issue to be resolved as a priority.
“These men and their families deserve so much more and to have this whole terrible chapter brought to a speedy end.
“We are a year on from the State’s apology for the delay in acknowledging that it had the responsibility to protect those children who suffered abuse. Will the State now follow up on that apology and take immediate steps to re-open the ex gratia scheme promptly and end the continued suffering of these victims?”
