Abuse report - at a glance

The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse was established in 2000 to investigate allegations of abuse at Catholic-run children's institutions in Ireland.

READ THE INQUIRY'S SUMMARY Summary of findings from the Commission to Inquire Into Child Abuse (105Kb) Most computers will open PDF documents automatically, but you might need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download the reader here

The main findings were:

• Physical and emotional abuse and neglect were features of the institutions.
• Sexual abuse occurred in many of them, particularly boys' institutions.
• Schools were run in a severe, regimented manner that imposed unreasonable and oppressive discipline on children and even on staff.
• Children were frequently hungry and food was inadequate, inedible and badly prepared in many schools.
• Many witnesses spoke of being constantly fearful or terrified, which impeded their emotional development and impacted on every aspect of their life in the institution.
• Prolonged, excessive beatings with implements intended to cause maximum pain occurred with the knowledge of senior staff.
• There was constant criticism and verbal abuse and children were told they were worthless.
• Some children lost their sense of identity and kinship, which was never recovered.
• Absconders were severely beaten, at times publicly. Some had their heads shaved and were humiliated.
• Inspectors, on their occasional visits, rarely spoke to the children in the institutions.