IRELAND
One in Four
Opinion by Mary Rafferty - Irish Times
All the promises following the nursing homes scandal sound eerily similar to those given over 2˝ years ago in response to another scandal exposed by RTÉ's Prime Time.
The Garda will investigate, there will be a general inquiry and legislation is promised - exactly the blueprint for action guaranteed to allay public concern over the abuse of children by priests in the Dublin archdiocese, and the associated cover-up, as revealed by the Cardinal Secrets programme in 2002.
And here we are, years later, and nothing has materialised. The Garda has undoubtedly done its best, but we know nothing of its conclusions. The Commission of Inquiry, promised so frequently, has never happened.
Meanwhile, those whose lives were so profoundly affected by the crimes committed against them as children are increasingly concerned that the promises have been forgotten, and that the issue is again being consigned to the dark corners of Ireland's past.
Posted by kshaw at June 12, 2005 07:04 AM