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Introduction
By the end of summer 2025, the Spiritans intend to share further information regarding a Redress Scheme for individuals affected by child abuse in schools run by the order.
Redress Scheme Process
In an open letter, the leader of the order in Ireland, Fr. Brendan Carr, acknowledged that the process of establishing the redress scheme has been slow. He expressed his “profound sorrow for the abuse of children” by some members of the order and extended an apology to survivors and their families and friends. Fr. Carr cited access to funding as the primary reason for the delay but added that a dedicated team has been appointed to restructure the Province’s assets to ensure “sustainable funding streams, including immediate and medium-term provisions for redress.”
The announcement follows calls earlier this year from Restore Together, an advocacy group representing many survivors of child sexual abuse in Spiritan run schools, including Blackrock College, urging the order to establish a redress scheme.
Restorative Framework
With input from advocacy groups such as Restore Together and One Voice, along with individual survivors of abuse, the Spiritans say they have entered a new phase in their response efforts. According to the order, this collaboration has resulted in the development of a Restorative Framework aimed at supporting healing and reconciliation. The framework is designed to acknowledge past abuses, institutional failures, and omissions while addressing the current needs of survivors. The Spiritans have expressed hope that this initiative will help those affected move toward peace and, where possible, a more hopeful future.
While welcoming the Spiritans’ commitment to compensating survivors, Philip Feddis of Restore Together stressed the need for “concrete action” and emphasised urgency in delivering redress. Highlighting the Church’s considerable assets in the country, Mr. Feddis said, “We recognise that some of them are tied up, but we all know that there are financial mechanisms for releasing money immediately, so we don’t think that is an excuse.”
Mr. Feddis also noted that Restore Together has been meeting with the Spiritans every two weeks for nearly five years.
Conclusion
As the Spiritans work toward finalising the redress scheme, survivors and advocacy groups alike continue to call for timely and meaningful action. The success of this initiative will depend not only on financial compensation but also on the order’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability and healing for those affected by past abuses.
In the meantime, the letter reminded those impacted that free counselling can be accessed through their safeguarding office.
Related Articles
Survivors of Sexual Abuse at Spiritan Schools Call for Redress Scheme to be Established
Jesuit Order Names 15 Deceased Members Accused of Child Sexual Abuse
Final Report of Scoping Inquiry into Historical Religious Order Sexual Abuse Claims
Scoping Inquiry into Historical Religious Order Sexual Abuse Claims – Update
Further Information
Lavelle Partners act for a number of clients in relation to historic Child Sexual Abuse Cases.
Please contact Avril Scally, Head of our Personal Injury & Medical Negligence Team, in the strictest of confidence, if you would like to discuss a possible case or to pursue a claim for compensation.