The Clongowes Union welcomes that a Commission of Investigation is to be established, following the recommendation in the Report of the Scoping Inquiry set up to examine historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders. Historical sexual abuse is a profoundly serious matter and the nature and number of the allegations made is extremely distressing. 

As a Union, we stand in solidarity with, and fully support, all victims of abuse.  We sincerely respect and applaud the victims who have bravely spoken out about the abuse that they have suffered and encourage anyone else who may have been affected by any such abuse to seek the appropriate advice and assistance.

If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in the Report of the Scoping Inquiry, information on support is available on the Scoping Inquiry’s website. 

The organisation One in Four provides services to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. One in Four can be contacted by calling 01 662 4070 or by completing the form at www.oneinfour.ie/contact.

Anyone who has any concerns or who has suffered abuse at the hands of any Jesuit is urged to contact the Order’s Safeguarding Office by email at safeguarding@jesuit.ie or by phoning the helpline on 00 353 830874254. Those who do not wish to contact the Order directly, are advised to contact Tusla and/or the Gardai.

If you wish to report an allegation of sexual abuse you can contact your local Garda station, the Garda Sexual Crime Management Unit (01-6663430) or the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line (1800 555 222), which is a confidential and free service available on a 24/7 basis. Alternatively, you can email GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie

Please also feel free to contact the Clongowes Union Benevolent Association (CUBA) – Thomas Lenehan (Honorary Secretary) on 087 2575187. CUBA can offer financial assistance and support you to find other services you may need in future. 

Shane Dowling (OC 1983)

President

13th September 2024