The Irish Survivors of Child Abuse (SOCA) group, which represents some of those abused in religious-run institutions, has called for the immediate winding-up of the Laffoy Commission, writes Paul Cullen
The call was made at a meeting of several hundred survivors of child abuse in Dublin at the weekend.
The commission was set up by the Government in 1999 to investigate allegations of child abuse. SOCA members accused the commission of deviating from its original brief, which was to inquire into abuse that happened in the past. They also demanded that the costs incurred by the group and its legal teams be met in full by the commission.
Mr John Kelly, a spokesman for SOCA, criticised the commission's decision to investigate "good deeds and positive experiences of victims" as well as cases of child abuse.
"This decision will not only change the entire complexion of the commission, it will now be seen by most victims as yet more appeasement to the religious' threats to stifle and stagnate the commission," said Mr Kelly.
The meeting also passed a resolution critical of remarks made by the Taoiseach about the number of people who suffered abuse at the hands of the religious. According to the motion, "survivors no longer believe Mr Ahern's so-called 'apology' of May 11th, 1999, and now reject that statement".
Mr Kelly said the meeting was called after the group received complaints from members "outraged" at recent revelations, particularly by the State's indemnification of the religious in return for a contribution covering only a fraction of the cost.