Inquiry to investigate Spiritan abuse, says Taoiseach
TAOISEACH Micheál Martin confirmed yesterday an inquiry will examine allegations of abuse at schools run by the Spiritan religious order.
Mr Martin made the announcement after the Spiritan Congregation, formerly the Holy Ghost Fathers, issued a public apology to victims.
It recently emerged in an RTÉ Radio Documentary on One programme the religious order had paid €5m in settlements toward abuse and supports services since 2004.
At least 233 men have made allegations of abuse against 77 priests from the Irish Spiritans.
The Taoiseach said: ‘We’ll spend the next week engaging with victims to get their perspective on this and the type of approach they would want Government to take.’