Child abuse victims vote to boycott State inquiry

An organisation representing survivors of child abuse has voted to boycott the Commission of Inquiry into Child Abuse, formally established by the Government last week, because it says it will give alleged abusers immunity from prosecution.

Survivors Of Child Abuse (SOCA) also voted in favour of a march to press their claim for the establishment of a compensation tribunal. The vote was held at a meeting in Liberty Hall, Dublin, yesterday.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Michael Lanigan, a solicitor based in Kilkenny who has taken many cases involving physical and sexual abuse, said there was no need for a truth commission "because we all know the truth". "You're not going to get a compensation tribunal by polite request," he said.

"Lawyers and solicitors must start pushing and forcing the Government on this. I would urge you to go to your solicitors and demand that they take your cases to court. But this fight cannot be fought only on the steps of a courthouse. It must be fought on the steps of Leinster House. It's a good fight and it's a proper fight."

Mr John Kelly, co-ordinator of SOCA, described the Commission of Inquiry into Child Abuse, which is to be chaired by Ms Justice Laffoy, as a "damage limitation exercise".

According to the Commission to Inquire Into Child Abuse Act 2000, "a statement or admission made by a person before the commission or a committee . . . shall not be admissible as evidence against the person, or any person who may be liable for the acts or omissions of the person in any criminal proceeding . . . or in any civil proceeding in a court or other tribunal".

According to the Minister for Education, Dr Woods, this provision is aimed at "encouraging maximum co-operation with the commission's investigative functions".

"We're saying that a `deal' has been done," said Mr Kelly. "The scales of justice weigh too heavily in favour of the State and the institutions. "We must march and demand a commission that will do justice, because this one will not. This one is just a confessional. We want compensation for what happened to us. It's disgusting and it's indefensible."

The meeting was also addressed by Mr Barry Andrews and Mr Patrick O'Neill, both barristers.

SOCA can be reached on (01) 455-0413