UPDATE: Survivors of abuse in the Irish education system are expressing outrage over the exclusion of “barbaric” corporal punishment from a major inquiry into historical abuse in schools. Following the announcement by Minister for Education Helen McEntee earlier this month, a retired High Court judge, Michael McGrath, was appointed to lead the investigation into sexual abuse in all Irish day and boarding schools, leaving many feeling neglected.

The newly established commission will focus solely on allegations of sexual abuse, which has sparked disappointment among survivors who have also endured extreme physical violence in schools. Many victims, some of whom were sexually abused, have shared harrowing accounts of beatings and severe punishment that occurred in schools even after 1982, the year corporal punishment was banned in Ireland.

In an urgent call for action, survivors voiced their concerns through a scoping inquiry that noted the violence experienced in schools exceeded what was deemed “acceptable corporal punishment.” One man in his 50s, who previously secured a conviction against a former Christian Brother, stated, “It feels as if the Government has forgotten about my experiences.” He described a traumatic incident where a teacher violently smashed his arm onto a desk, stating, “Can you imagine the pain of that?”

Another survivor from the midlands recounted the cruel treatment he faced in the early 1990s, where he and his classmates were forced to kneel on broom shafts for extended periods, stating, “It was barbaric and degrading.” Such testimonies underscore the urgent need for the inquiry to address these historical abuses.

The commission, led by Mr. Justice Michael McGrath, is expected to complete its work within five years. A survey will launch initially to help identify the scope of the inquiry, and a survivor engagement program will be established to inform the inquiry’s language and communication, as recommended by a previous inquiry.

When reached for comment, the Department of Education stressed the importance of conducting the inquiry in a timely manner, emphasizing that allegations of sexual abuse will be prioritized. However, they did not provide clarity on whether allegations of corporal punishment would be included in the investigation. A spokesperson noted that all reports concerning child protection are immediately forwarded to relevant authorities, including Tusla and An Garda Síochána.

Survivors continue to demand recognition for their suffering, urging that the inquiry not overlook the severe physical abuse that has scarred generations of students. As the commission gears up to begin its work by October 1, 2023, the call for justice remains loud and clear among those who have suffered in silence for far too long.

The urgency of addressing both sexual and physical abuse in schools cannot be overstated, as survivors await a full reckoning of their experiences. As this story develops, the voices of those affected remain at the forefront, advocating for a comprehensive inquiry that honors all forms of abuse endured in the Irish education system.

UPDATE: Survivors of abuse in the Irish education system are voicing outrage as the government excludes “barbaric” corporal punishment from a significant new inquiry into historical abuse in schools. This urgent demand comes just days after Minister for Education Helen McEntee announced the formation of a commission led by retired High Court judge Michael McGrath to investigate allegations of sexual abuse in Irish day and boarding schools.

The new commission, confirmed earlier this month, is set to focus solely on sexual abuse allegations, leaving many survivors and advocates feeling abandoned. They are calling for a comprehensive examination of the extreme physical violence that has scarred generations of children. The inquiry, which has a five-year time limit to complete its work, is scheduled to begin with a survey aimed at identifying the commission’s scope.

Survivors are expressing frustration that their painful experiences are being overlooked. One victim, a man in his 50s, stated, “It feels as if the Government has forgotten about our experiences.” He previously secured a conviction against a former Christian Brother and shared harrowing accounts of physical abuse in schools that occurred after 1982, the year when corporal punishment was banned in Ireland.

He recounted a chilling incident where a teacher violently smashed his arm onto a desk, saying, “Can you imagine the pain of that? My parents let me leave school after that.” His sentiments are echoed by others, who believe that the commission’s focus on sexual abuse is overshadowing the need to address the physical violence many endured.

Another survivor, recalling his time in school during the early 1990s, described the brutal treatment from a teacher who made students kneel on a sweeping brush for extended periods. “It was barbaric and degrading,” he asserted, emphasizing that such experiences should not be forgotten.

The inquiry has sparked significant debate, as the Scoping Inquiry revealed that many respondents felt the violence in schools “went beyond an acceptable level,” and that excessive disciplinary actions should be included in any future investigations. Survivors insist that the commission must address these historical abuses, particularly as many of them are intertwined with allegations of sexual abuse.

The commission is expected to launch a survivor engagement program, a step recommended by a previous inquiry to ensure that the language and content resonate with victims’ experiences. The Department of Education has been in communication with survivors, acknowledging their desire for a timely process as the commission tackles sexual abuse.

However, when questioned about the inclusion of corporal punishment in the inquiry, a spokesperson for the Department stated that they take child protection seriously and any reported concerns are forwarded to relevant authorities, including Tusla and An Garda Síochána. They emphasized that the Department has no statutory role in investigating historical abuse claims.

With the commission expected to finalize its setup by October 1, survivors are demanding action. They urge officials to acknowledge the full scope of abuse in the Irish educational system, which includes both sexual and physical violence. As the inquiry unfolds, the call for justice and recognition of these brutal experiences continues to grow stronger.

As this situation develops, it remains critical for the commission to address the multifaceted nature of abuse within schools, ensuring that all survivors are heard and validated. The emotional impacts of these injustices are profound, and the urgency for a comprehensive inquiry is paramount.

UPDATE: A man has tragically died suddenly in Victoria Park, located in east Belfast, early this morning, July 20, 2023. Authorities from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed the incident, raising urgent concerns in the community.

According to a PSNI spokesperson, police were alerted to the man’s sudden death on Sunday morning. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, as no further details have been disclosed at this time.

In an official statement, the spokesperson stated:

“Police received a report of the sudden death of a man in the Victoria Park area of east Belfast. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the cause of death. There’s no further detail at present.”

This sudden occurrence in a public park has left the local community in shock, prompting many to seek answers about how such an incident could occur. The PSNI is actively investigating the situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Residents and visitors to the park are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The PSNI is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of the public in light of this unexpected tragedy.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the community seeks to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident.

UPDATE: Irish celebrities are buzzing with excitement following the thrilling All-Ireland hurling final, where Tipperary triumphed over Cork in a dramatic second-half comeback on July 30, 2023. The event captivated fans nationwide, with numerous stars sharing their support on social media.

Ahead of the match, RTE star Sile Seoige showcased her enthusiasm by posting an adorable family photo on Instagram. The Galway native, married to Corkman Glen Mulchahy, captured her children proudly waving the Cork flag. She humorously noted, “Connemara kids with a Cork Dad in Cork on All-Ireland final day…not a shred of maroon to be seen. I’ll let them away with it today.” Following the game, she graciously congratulated the victorious team, writing, “Comhghairdeachas Tiobraid Árann! Worthy champions. A tough day for Cork.”

In a star-studded atmosphere at Croke Park, Virgin Media presenter Eric Roberts reported live for the BBC, capturing the electrifying energy of the crowd. He encountered Hollywood sensation Paul Mescal, who attended the match with his father. The duo snapped a memorable photo, later joined by singer Tom Grennan, who expressed his joy at the event. Eric shared his enthusiasm on social media, stating, “An incredible experience! Huge thank you to @bbcsport @bbcsportni for the opportunity! Buzzing to be back again next week to watch Donegal.”

Following the match, RTE presenter Rosanna Purcell paid homage to her roots with a nostalgic throwback photo of her younger self in Tipperary gear. The Clonmel native proudly celebrated her home county, exclaiming, “No better county to be from. Up the Premier.” Her heartfelt post garnered warm responses, with friends and fans expressing their admiration.

The All-Ireland final, held on July 30, 2023, has sparked widespread emotional engagement as fans reflect on the significance of the event. The victory for Tipperary not only highlights their sporting prowess but also reinforces the sense of community and pride among supporters.

Stay tuned for more updates as the excitement continues to unfold. The All-Ireland spirit is alive and well, with celebrities and fans alike celebrating the power of sport to unite and inspire.