Madam, - Mary Raftery's report in your edition of November 29th of the Christian Brothers' co-operation with the Garda and the Laffoy Commission in relation to files and archives is incorrect.
The leadership of the Christian Brothers has consistently provided the Garda with information on Brothers and other personnel who worked in residential institutions.
Furthermore, the relevant information required by the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse has already been furnished, together with documentation sought.
The Christian Brothers do not accept that Mary Raftery has any rights of access to school and institutional archives. They have a statutory obligation to safeguard the privacy of former pupils and staff in their schools and residential institutions.
However, such lack of access has not deterred Ms Raftery from publishing her sightings and interpretations of our documents. - Yours, etc.,
Brother EDMUND GARVEY,
Director of Communications,
The Christian Brothers,
Dublin 7.