Outrage as Scientology opens giant HQ in Ireland
Demonstrators yesterday A NEW Scientology centre opened yesterday amid tight security – as protesters gathered to voice their concerns.
There was a visible Garda presence outside the 1,100-seat auditorium in Firhouse, South Dublin, as up to 1,000 Scientology members were flown in.
The Church of Scientology has 87 registered members in Ireland but the new centre is rumoured to have a staff of 250 people, sparking fears of a mass recruitment drive.
The leader of the secretive organisation, David Miscavige, was reportedly present for the opening as security staff stood guard at the gates.
Around 80 protesters gathered and some held placards aloft with one reading: “Keep Tom Cruise out of Firhouse”.
An online petition against Scientology has been set up warning the organisation is a “dangerous cult” and promotes “quack medicine”.
PROTEST
Autism activist Fiona O’leary, one of the organisers of the protest, said: “My fear is they will target vulnerable children who can’t make choices for themselves. Protester “They have a worship licence which means they can do whatever they want with that premises. This is a European hub so it’s not just about Ireland. They have over 250 staff and my question is what are they going to be doing in there?”
Speaking at the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis yesterday party leader Micheal Martin labelled Scientology a “cult”.
Their website denies it is a cult and the organisation’s Dublin headquaters has refused to comment on any aspect of the centre’s operations.
Pete Griffiths from Co Mayo, who runs the Ex-scientologists Facebook page, was not at yesterday’s protest but has warned against the church.
Speaking exclusively to the Irish Sunday Mirror about his 22-year involvement he said: “It is a form of mind control. I had to leave without telling them.” Picket outside Scientology centre