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26.11.09
Not only were dozens of priests abusing hundreds of children in the Archdiocese of Dublin over five decades, their superiors were either turning a blind eye or conspiring to cover it up, often with the help of Gardai and other state authorities.
The report by Justice Yvonne Murphy's Commission of Investigation, published today, reveals the true scale of the scandal in a church which considered itself above the law.
The report itself describes in devastating detail how the reputation of the Catholic Church was deemed more important than the welfare of children.
This scandal began with the abuse itself. Dozens of priests inflicted unspeakable cruelty on hundreds of innocent children.
The report describes in often graphic detail how priests used and abused their positions of influence to commit their crimes.
After the abuse, came the cover up. The report details how priests known to be paedophiles were moved around from parish to parish, where they could once again abuse children.
Should you need support, the following helplines are available:
HSE National Counselling Service - 1800 670700 www.hse-ncs.ie/en
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre - 1800 778888 www.drcc.ie
One in Four - 01 6624070 www.oneinfour.org
Samaritans - 1850 609090 www.dublinsamaritans.ie
Faoiseamh - 1800 331234 (Rep of Ireland) and 0800 973272 (Northern Ireland and UK). www.faoiseamh.com. Faoiseamh is funded by the Conference of Religious in Ireland and by a number of Catholic dioceses
Connect , the National Adults Counselling Service - 1800 477 477 (Republic of Ireland) 00800 477 47777 (Northern Ireland). www.connectcounselling.ie
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Abuse Report: The abuse
The report describes in often graphic detail how priests used and abused their positions of influence to commit their crimes.Watch now
Abuse Report: The cover up
The report details how priests known to be pedophiles were moved around from parish to parish, where they could once again abuse children. Watch now
Archbishop reacts to report findings
Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin reacts to the Dublin Diocese Abuse Report.Watch now
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