Groups working with victims of clerical sexual abuse have criticised a statement by the Christian Brothers on sexual abuse allegations.
In a statement issued at lunchtime yesterday, the Christian Brothers said they did "not accept the now widespread perception that there was widespread, systematic sexual abuse" in their residences.
While they had "openly acknowledged that some abuse did take place", the vast majority of those brothers and former brothers against whom allegations have been made "strenuously refute the allegations and strongly protest their innocence".
The statement said it was worth noting that "over 95 per cent of these men worked in ordinary day schools for up to 40 years without any allegation or hint of complaint against them.
"It should also be noted that many complainants name people who do not correspond with any person who worked with the residential institutions or who had been a member of the Christian Brothers."
The One In Four organisation, a support group for people who have experienced sexual abuse, described the statement as "a highly regrettable backward step" and "hugely unhelpful at this sensitive point.
"It represents a return to the mindset of blanket denial which characterised the Christian Brothers' approach to the issue of abuse prior to 1999."
Ms Therese Gaynor, clinical director with the charity, said those who would find it most offensive were "the many victims seeking support from One In Four who, as day pupils in schools run by the Christian Brothers, experienced significant levels of all forms of abuse".
Mr John Kelly, co-ordinator of Survivors of Child Abuse (SOCA), said the brothers' statement "beggars belief", and it was "in effect saying to victims 'you're liars and we don't believe you'. The brothers may not have been found guilty yet, but they certainly haven't been found innocent either."
He continued: "They are saying there was not widespread systematic abuse. The only body that can ascertain that is the Laffoy Commission and they have set out to destroy it."
Earlier this month the High Court ruled against the Christian Brothers' argument that the Laffoy Commission should not hear allegations against deceased, infirm, or untraceable brothers.
The Brothers are considering an appeal to the Supreme Court.
Ms Gaynor, of One In Four, described the statement as an attempt to "rewrite history of widespread abuse perpetrated by members of the Christian Brothers", and said it "should only serve to further strengthen political resolve for the early reinstatement of the Laffoy Commission investigation".
An organisation established by people raised in residential schools has supported the statement by the brothers.
Let Our Voices Emerge (LOVE), some of whose members spent time in homes including Golden Bridge and St Joseph's Industrial School in Kilkenny, said abuse was not as widespread as had been alleged.
