Madam, - The article by Breda O'Brien in your edition of February 21st is a just and fair presentation of the rights of those who claim that they were abused as well as those who have had to endure up to nine years of false accusations with either suspension from or loss of employment. In many cases the falsely accused were also deprived of promotional opportunities.
Justice now requires that their suffering and that of their families as well as their legal and counselling expenses be recognised. Compensation funds, similar to the generous ones provided for those making allegations, need to be put in place immediately. A board similar to the Residential Institutions Redress Board, which would oversee the administration of these funds, would be an essential part of this process. - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL HEFFERNAN, St Aidan's, Whitehall, Dublin 9.