GARDAI are unlikely to press charges against the 76 year old nun at the centre of child abuse allegations at orphanages in Goldenbridge in Dublin and in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow.
Three formal complaints to the Garda have been received from former residents of the Goldenbridge Orphanage, where Sister Xavieria was Reverend Mother during the 1950s and early 1960s. Gardai have taken statement from one woman who claims to have physically abused at the orphanage in Inchicore.
Sister Xavieria has not been interviewed, however, and senior Garda sources say she is unlikely to face charges of abuse because of the length of time which has elapsed since the alleged abuse to place.
Gardai were called to the convent in Inchicore on the night the Dear Daughter documentary was screened on RTE. The Mercy Sisters received several abusive and threatening phone calls after the documentary, which made horrifying claims of physical and emotional abuse.
Sister Xavieria was transferred from Goldenbridge to Rathdrum in 1963. She retired two years ago.
Meanwhile, the investigation into recent allegations of physical and emotional abuse at St Kyran's orphanage in Rathdrum is being conducted by the Sisters of Mercy. Two staff members were suspended last year on full pay while the internal investigation is being conducted.
It is understood that the complaints against the two people were made by another member of staff at St Kyran's, where the Sisters of Mercy run two family units catering for 16 children. The units replaced the orphanage which was burned down in the 1980s.
A spokesperson for the Eastern Health Board said yesterday that the Sisters of Mercy would decide if and when the two lay staff members would be reinstated. The board would be informed of the decision.
The board is conducting a separate inquiry into allegations of abuse at the orphanage over the last three decades. In co operation with the Sisters of Mercy it is following up former residents. The majority of those involved are now adults, many living abroad.
Over 300 calls have been received by the helpline set up by the Mercy Sisters in response to the Dear Daughter documentary. It is being staffed by counsellors from the Rape Crisis Centre. No members of the order are involved.
A management consultant has also been engaged to ensure that every call is responded to. Because the volume of calls has been greater than envisaged there have been delays, according to the order. "But we are confident that properly structured independent counselling will be functioning smoothly by next week", the Mercy Sisters said.
Victims are being asked to call two freephone numbers: 1-800-800-123 in the Republic and 0-800-973-043 for people living in Northern Ireland.
Anyone with complaints about conditions at St Kyran's can also contact the Director of Community Care in Wicklow, Dr Davida de la Harpe, at 0404 - 68400 or any local social worker.