The report on historical abuse in the St John Ambulance, the first-aid organisation, contains the same, sorry, course of events outlined in other similar reports: terrible and sustained abuse of children, a blind eye turned, reports ignored and – finally – denial by those in charge of the full import of what has occurred. As the abuse happened, those with knowledge allowed it to continue. They put concerns about the organisation’s reputation and standing ahead of the interests of the children.
It is no defence to plead that “things were different” back then. At the centre of the St John Ambulance report is the most serious and vile alleged abuse of 15 children by a former senior figure in its Old Kilmainham division in Dublin. This went on from the late 1960s to the late 1990s – 30 long years – yet the organisation failed to investigate, despite being warned repeatedly. Indeed, the report finds that its structure “facilitated” potential grooming of children. By the early 1990s there was a well-established awareness of specific threats to child safety in the division, yet nothing was done; indeed the evidence is that many were aware of what was going on much earlier.
The report, by Dr Geoffrey Shannon, a senior counsel and child protection expert, was commissioned following reports in The Irish Times. It is forensic in its examination of what happened and deeply critical of the organisation’s leadership. As with similar reports, the power is in the simple telling of the story – and the terrible implications for the victims, many of whom have shown great bravery in coming forward.
Nor is the senior figure in the Old Kilmainham division the only alleged abuser, with other instances, too, which were also not properly investigated. Worryingly, Dr Shannon says the current structure in the organisation could still allow unvetted individuals to have access to children.
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The board’s decision to apologise to those affected is too little and far too late. The leadership has let down the victims again and again – and also the St John Ambulance volunteers who have provided years of valuable community service.