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Report on Ireland child abuse due Report on Ireland child abuse due
(about 1 hour later)
The findings of a nine-year inquiry into abuse suffered by children in Catholic institutions in Ireland over a 60-year period are due to be published.The findings of a nine-year inquiry into abuse suffered by children in Catholic institutions in Ireland over a 60-year period are due to be published.
About 35,000 children were placed in a network of reformatories, industrial schools and workhouses up to the 1980s.About 35,000 children were placed in a network of reformatories, industrial schools and workhouses up to the 1980s.
More than 2,000 told the Commission to Inquire Into Child Abuse they suffered physical and sexual abuse while there.More than 2,000 told the Commission to Inquire Into Child Abuse they suffered physical and sexual abuse while there.
The BBC's Mark Simpson said the inquiry was expected to criticise the Church's handling of sex abuse complaints.The BBC's Mark Simpson said the inquiry was expected to criticise the Church's handling of sex abuse complaints.
Apology
The institutions housed abandoned or neglected children, but courts also sent those guilty of truancy and petty crime.The institutions housed abandoned or neglected children, but courts also sent those guilty of truancy and petty crime.
Victim Andrew Madden describes the abuseVictim Andrew Madden describes the abuse
Unmarried mothers were also sent to institutions known as Magdalene Laundries, many by their own families.Unmarried mothers were also sent to institutions known as Magdalene Laundries, many by their own families.
Hundreds of the victims moved away from Ireland once they left the care homes and went to live in the UK.Hundreds of the victims moved away from Ireland once they left the care homes and went to live in the UK.
Many of those who are alleged to have carried out the abuse are now dead.Many of those who are alleged to have carried out the abuse are now dead.
SEARCH FOR JUSTICE By Shane Harrison BBC News, Dublin Today sees the publication of another report in the Republic about the abuse of children entrusted to the Catholic Church.
The report looks at how children were physically, sexually and emotionally abused in schools run by religious orders.
I met three victims and heard their stories.
Read Shane's piece here
The commission was established in 2000 after the then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern issued an apology on behalf of the State to the victims of child abuse.The commission was established in 2000 after the then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern issued an apology on behalf of the State to the victims of child abuse.
Led by Mr Justice Sean Ryan, the commission's report is believed to be five volumes and 2,500 pages long.Led by Mr Justice Sean Ryan, the commission's report is believed to be five volumes and 2,500 pages long.
Thousands of abused men and women who went to these schools and institutions testified to the commission.Thousands of abused men and women who went to these schools and institutions testified to the commission.
The allegations include sexual abuse and repeated beating of boys and girls with a leather strap.The allegations include sexual abuse and repeated beating of boys and girls with a leather strap.
Some punishments were said to be handed out for talking at mealtimes or writing left handed.Some punishments were said to be handed out for talking at mealtimes or writing left handed.
More than 100 institutions run by religious orders have been examined and the inquiry is expected to produce specific findings against a number of facilities.More than 100 institutions run by religious orders have been examined and the inquiry is expected to produce specific findings against a number of facilities.
The Sisters of Mercy and Christian Brothers, which ran the largest number of children's institutions, were among the orders under investigation.The Sisters of Mercy and Christian Brothers, which ran the largest number of children's institutions, were among the orders under investigation.


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