PRESS RELEASE

ONE  IN FOUR WELCOMES PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT INTO SEXUAL ABUSE IN JESUIT SCHOOLS

February 8^th 2024

One in Four welcomes the publication today of the Report into sexual abuse in Jesuit Schools.  While the Report describes  the abuse perpetrated by Joseph Marmion which is already in the public domain, it also refers to very disturbing allegations of sexual abuse against Paul Andrews and Dermot Casey.

CEO Maeve Lewis says “The Report details the now familiar litany of failures by a religious congregation to deal effectively with allegations of abuse against its members, placing other children at risk.  However, we commend the Jesuit order for its transparent acknowledgement of its failures.  It is important that the order decided to name Paul Andrews and Dermot Casey in the hopes that this might encourage other survivors to come forward.  It is also noteworthy that, unlike some other religious congregations, the Jesuits are making every effort to provide support and compensation to the men whose lives have been contaminated by their experience of abuse in childhood.”

Maeve Lewis ends: “This Report makes for distressing reading and will undoubtedly retrigger many painful memories and feelings for survivors.  I urge all those affected to reach out for support, including the One in Four Advocacy Service.”

ENDS

For Comment:

Maeve Lewis , CEO                                                                           087 7584080

Deirdre Kenny, Deputy CEO and Advocacy Director           087 2721694