Commission of Investigation into Non-Recent Child Sex Abuse in Schools

Statement by Restore Together
 

8 July 2025 - Restore Together acknowledges the Government’s decision today to formally establish a Commission of Investigation into the handling of non-recent child sexual abuse in schools. We note the Government’s acceptance of some of the recommendations from the Scoping Inquiry and we welcome the expansion of the Commission’s remit to include all schools.

The establishment of the inquiry must not become an obstacle to justice, nor should it inadvertently shield religious institutions from taking immediate responsibility. The Spiritans have already publicly committed to undertaking its own Redress Scheme as part of its Restorative Justice programme for victims/ survivors from its five schools.

Restore Together spokesperson, Philip Feddis said: “While this is a significant step, we await details on whether and how this investigation will be different to the dozen or more processes we have had in this country over the last 30-plus years, all of which were rooted in the structures and culture of the legal system with victims/ survivors merely pawns in the process.”

Mr Feddis added, “We need to know:

How will this investigation be better for victims/ survivors?

The Commission of Investigation needs to be informed by the expertise of victims / survivors, what roles will victims / survivors hold within the Commission?

Justice delayed is justice denied. Redress cannot wait. How will the Government ensure that redress—both financial and therapeutic—advances and concludes in tandem with the 5-year time limit prescribed by the Minister?

The need for a Restorative Justice Model of Approach

Canada, Australia, Switzerland and about 10 EU countries have all chosen to deal with comparable issues over the last 10+ years through Restorative Justice models of investigation which put the victims/ survivors at the centre of everything. Is Ireland going to join its peers by being victim/ survivor led or are we about to repeat the processes of the past? 

ENDS