President Mary McAleese has today expressed her deep sadness at the "shocking and shameful" findings of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse report.
Yesterday's report found that thousands of children suffered physical and sexual abuse over several decades in residential institutions run by religious congregations.
"It is shocking and shameful that so many children had to endure such appalling suffering and abuse in institutions whose obligation and vocation it was to provide them with safe and loving care. It was an atrocious betrayal of love," Mrs McAleese said in a statement.
"My heart goes out to the victims of this terrible injustice, an injustice compounded by the fact that they had to suffer in silence for so long. This report utterly vindicates their determination to break that silence and to have their voices heard. They are deeply courageous people who deserve the understanding and support of all of us at this very difficult time," she said.
"This clear and thorough report has discharged an important public service in bringing these terrible matters to full light. We all need to reflect carefully now on its findings and recommendations and I know that everybody with a responsibility in the matter will be doing so carefully and fully," added Mrs McAleese.
The commission, which was chaired by Mr Justice Seán Ryan, heard from witnesses who said they had been sexually abused.There were also many reports of injuries, including broken bones, lacerations and bruising.
More than 1,700 men and women gave evidence of the abuse they suffered as children in institutions, with over half reporting sexual abuse. Accounts of abuse given in relation to 216 institutions are detailed in the report, which runs to nearly 3,000 pages.
More allegations were made against the Christian Brothers than all other male orders combined. The report sharply criticises the Department of Education for failing to carry out proper inspections.
