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Gerry Adams apologises to abuse victims let down by IRA

Sinn Fein Leader Gerry Adams TD has apologised to victims of abuse who were let down or failed by...
Newstalk
Newstalk

13.43 22 Oct 2014


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Gerry Adams apologises to abus...

Gerry Adams apologises to abuse victims let down by IRA

Newstalk
Newstalk

13.43 22 Oct 2014


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Sinn Fein Leader Gerry Adams TD has apologised to victims of abuse who were let down or failed by the IRA’s inability to resolve these issues.

He said that who wish should come forward now and report complaints to the appropriate authorities, North or South.

It followed the Taoiseach's announcement in the past half hour there will be a 'comprehensive' Dail debate on the issue of abuse.

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Enda Kenny's spent 90 minutes meeting with Mairia Cahil this morning - who says Sinn Féin helped to cover up her sexual abuse by an IRA man.

They discussed allegations surrounding other cases where the republican movement covered allegedly failed to report instances of sexual assault.

Mr Adams rejected allegations that Sinn Fein was involved in any cover-up of such issues and said the issue had politicized in the Dáil chamber by Sinn Fein’s opponents.

Speaking in the Dail today, Gerrry Adams said: “I am mindful that there are victims and families affected by abuse watching us today. Sexual abuse and abuse of any kind is wrong. The abuse of a child is a particularly heinous crime. The consequences for victims and their families are devastating. We know this having seen the human cost of abuse right across Irish society.

“I have set out the circumstances in the North when there was no democratic, civic policing service. The IRA sought to deal with some cases of abuse when asked to do so by families and victims. While IRA Volunteers were acting in good faith, the IRA was ill equipped to deal with such matters.

“IRA actions against sex abusers failed victims. That is a matter of profound regret for me and other republicans. I am acutely conscious that there may be victims who were let down or failed by the IRA’s inability to resolve these issues.

“As Uachtarán Shinn Féin, I want to apologise to those victims.

“Those who wish should come forward now and report their complaint to the appropriate authorities – An Garda Siochána or the HSE in the south, or the PSNI or Social services in the North. They will have Sinn Féin’s full support in doing so.

“Secrecy has surrounded abuse in Ireland. It was taboo to discuss, and some victims were very fearful to disclose. The only way to face this problem is to support victims, and to empower them to speak out. To cover up child abuse is to deny the basic humanity of the victim and to shield the perpetrator. It is an unthinkable act of cruelty."

However, Mr Adams refused to confirm that he spoke to Mairia Cahill about the abuse or whether she named her rapist.

The Taoiseach responded: "I find it absolutely unbelievable that you would come into this House of Parliament and say a man who raped a woman, who sexually abused her, is a decent person."

He also asked Adams to "confirm whether you know, as leader of your party whether Mairia Cahill was required to attend, in a room with three men and her abuser, members of the IRA and whether you are aware of any people who were moved down to this jurisdiction."

Following her meeting with the Taoiseach, Mairia Cahill spoke to reporters outside Government buildings:


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