The Christian Brothers order today denied that the incidence of child sexual abuse by Irish religious organisations was as widespread as now perceived.
In a statement, the order rejected what they described as the "the now-established perception" of large scale abuse in institutions run by the order.
They stressed also it had been openly acknowledged that "some abuse" had taken place, but added that allegations had been made against large number of their members, the vast majority of whom strongly rejected the claims.
The order maintained that more than 95 per cent of Brothers had worked in ordinary day schools for periods of up to 40 years, without any allegation or hint of complaint against them.
The Brothers' statement was challenged by One in Four, an organisation representing victims of sex abuse . It said the the Christian Brothers' statement marked "a highly-regrettable backward step".
It claimed the move amounted to "a return to the mindset of blanket denial, which characterised the Christian Brothers' approach to the issue of sexual abuse prior to 1999.
"In both content and tone, the statement will cause further deep hurt to the men and women supported by One in Four, who experienced widespread sexual, physical and emotional abuse in institutions and day schools run by the Christian Brothers."
The organisation also declared: "Those who will find the statement most offensive are the many victims seeking support from One in Four, who as day pupils in schools run by the Christian Brothers, experienced significant levels of abuse.
"For these vulnerable men and women, there is no political forum, no redress and no acknowledgment of their abuse.
"The reason for this statement by the Christian Brothers to exonerate 95 percent of their members accused of sexual abuse, is not yet clear."
PA