Sir, - I am at present a third-year mature student of social care in the Dublin Institute of Technology, Rathmines. While studying law last year, I observed the McColgan family in court during their brave trial. I have just finished reading Susan McKay's book Sophia's Story. I admire Sophia for telling her story and I feel remorse, anger and sadness at what happened to all of the McColgan family.
I myself worked in Madonna House, Blackrock, Co Dublin, for six years and the tragic abuse which took place there is mentioned on page 184 of Susan McKay's book. She mentions that "Madonna House, a residential care centre in Co Dublin, was closed down in 1995 because of the sexual abuse of children by staff". I feel that her statement about the staff is far too open and generalised. There was one man convicted and sentenced (a maintenance man and not a care worker) so why did she not just name him? What happened to the children was horrific and criminal but 99 per cent of childcare staff were committed to the children and not to blame. We gave love and security to hundreds of children who passed through Madonna House over the years. I have kept in contact with many children who are now happily fostered and I know they have fond memories of the kindness and support given to them by the childcare staff. I feel as a childcare worker that our names were never cleared and have always been stigmatised since Madonna House closed down in 1995.
Thankfully I am now in a permanent position with a social care agency in Dublin, but many of my former colleagues have never been employed since.
Many staff gave their whole working lives to Madonna House. Some lived on the premises. It was never easy, working long shifts and sometimes up to 10 or 11 days in a row without a day off. We respected every child for their individuality and tried our best to facilitate them in a homely, caring environment. The staff should be admired and congratulated for achieving such good relationships with the children in such inadequate working conditions. We were in vulnerable positions with sometimes little support or back-up.
I do understand that one or two staff were accused of abuse, but 99 per cent of the childcare staff are innocent and such broad statements should not be published. - Yours, etc., Ann Quinn,
Dodder Valley Park, Firhouse Road, Dublin 24.