Labour calls for action now on survivor redress
Labour calls for action now on survivor redress - The Labour Party
Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has called on the Government to support Labour legislation that would help ensure religious orders contribute fully to compensation for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. Speaking in the Dáil today, Deputy Bacik challenged the Taoiseach to back Labour’s Bill when it comes before the House on Thursday, arguing that survivors have already waited decades for justice and should not be forced to wait for further reports before meaningful action is taken.
Labour raised the issue during Leaders’ Questions following a week in which survivors of abuse have once again shared their experiences publicly, highlighting ongoing failures to provide recognition, accountability and redress. Deputy Bacik said that while a Commission of Investigation into Abuse in Schools is underway and an Inter-Departmental Group is examining future redress options, there are practical legislative measures that can be taken now to support survivors.
Deputy Bacik said:
“Survivors of child sexual abuse have shown extraordinary courage in speaking out. Many have spent decades carrying the trauma caused by abuse and by the institutional failures that allowed that abuse to happen. This week, we have once again heard powerful testimony from survivors who are still seeking justice, recognition and accountability.
“A common thread runs through so many of these cases. Children were failed by individuals who abused positions of trust, and they were failed by institutions that should have protected them. The State and religious bodies have a responsibility to make amends for those failures.
“That is why Labour has brought forward legislation that would help ensure religious orders cannot avoid their obligations by transferring substantial assets into lay-run trusts while survivors continue to seek redress. The legal mechanism proposed in our Bill is straightforward. It would facilitate the payment of damages and compensation from assets that were transferred out of the direct control of religious orders.
“The Tánaiste has publicly stated that religious orders should pay their fair share of redress. I welcome those comments. However, words must now be matched by action. Analysis of a sample of religious congregations has shown collective assets worth approximately €1.3 billion, while the State remains hundreds of millions of euro short of securing the contribution expected from religious orders towards compensation schemes.
“I welcome the Taoiseach’s response in the Dáil today indicating to me at Leaders’ Questions that the Government would not oppose Labour’s redress bill on Thursday. I also welcome his indication in response to me that he would look to expedite the report from the Interdepartmental Group, which was not due to report until May 2027. He has now confirmed further that the Government will engage in mediation with the Dunderrow school survivors, and I urge him and his Government colleagues to move swiftly on this, as it is vital that this group in particular should not face any more delays in accessing redress.
“Labour is calling on all TDs to support our Bill this Thursday and to ensure that all institutions which facilitated or enabled the abuse of children are held accountable. Survivors should not be dragged through lengthy legal processes to secure justice, nor should they be deprived of redress because assets have been placed beyond their reach. Survivors deserve justice.”