Gardaí received 160 reports of historical sexual abuse relating to schools run by religious orders in a three-day period. 

Gardaí launched an appeal for reports after a scoping inquiry revealed 2,400 allegations against over 800 people across 300 schools. 

Some 160 complaints were made after the appeal on August 4th. 

An Garda Síochána is now in the process of responding to each individual report. 

“An Garda Síochána understands the profound impact that sexual abuse has on the lives of each individual who is now coming forward,” a spokesperson said. 

“Each person will be given the time and space to discuss their personal experience and An Garda Síochána will continue to support each person through the process at the pace and to the extent that they wish to engage with us.” 

Historical sexual abuse

Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan said Gardaí are ready to support anyone who has reports of historical sexual abuse, including those outside of schools run by religious orders. 

“These crimes are insidious and have a lifelong effect on those who are subject of this abuse,” he said. 

“An Garda Síochána will support each individual who makes a report to us. 

“To any person who has not spoken about being the victim of sexual abuse, I would say the evidence in the Scoping Inquiry and the, so far, over 160 contacts made to An Garda Síochána show that you are not alone, you did nothing wrong and that if you want to speak your voice will be heard.” 

Following the scoping inquiry, the Government has now accepted a recommendation to set up a Commission of Inquiry. 

However, it has not yet decided on a redress scheme, one of the other main recommendations of the report. 

Gardaí have advised people to contact the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222. 

Anyone who has been impacted by abuse can also contact the charity One in Four on 01 66 24070 for information on their counselling services.