The Sisters of Mercy recognise the tenth anniversary of the publication of the Ryan Report.

On Wednesday 20th May, 2009 the impact of this Report awakened pain and great distress for many people. It opened the door on memories that were harsh and disturbing and renewed the trauma of wounded childhoods, for many former residents. The occasion of May 2009 lives in history as a time of deep sorrow and anguish, for everyone involved in this story.

The Sisters of Mercy wish to reaffirm what we said publicly in 2009 and to accept without reservation, that many of the children who were placed in our care in industrial school environments, were “hurt and damaged “ in their childhood years with us. It is now ten years later and we welcome this opportunity to renew our heartfelt apology to all who suffered in our institutions.

We believe that the Report also brought a ray of light and learning to ourselves, to Church and State and to Institutional Care. The in-between years have provided opportunities for reaching out, for restoration of relationships. These opportunities include provision of professional support through Towards Healing and through many local efforts.

The tenth anniversary of the publication of this Report will be a difficult time for many people and we hope that it can also lead to a time of deeper healing. We recognise those sisters and lay staff who served in caring for children in situations where support structures and training were frequently inadequate.

In conclusion we reaffirm our commitment to support our former residents.  May we continue to heal the wound and walk together into the future.

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For media contact: Wally Young, Young Communications – 087 2471520

Note: An update on our contribution following the Ryan Report is also available on this website.