The victims of paedophile Michael Ferry WILL be able to see a report into why he was allowed to work at a Donegal school AFTER he was found guilty of child sex abuse.
Michael Ferry, right, being taken into court in Donegal Town in December.
Donegal Daily reported today how two Government Departments had told victims at Colaiste Cholmcille in Gaoth Dobhair they would not have access to the report.
Ferry was allowed to continue to work as a school caretaker after being found guilty of abusing one boy, and despite being placed on the sex offenders register in 2002.
A Garda investigation into the school and its directors was passed onto the Director of Public Prosecutions but it was decided not to press charges.
A separate investigation was carried out by the HSE but victims were told by both departments they were not entitled to see the reports.
However, the Child and Family Agency has said today that victims can contact their office to see the report.
Gordon Jeyes, Chief Executive of the CFA said his agency is completely committed to being transparent and accountable in all its dealings.
“This review has been undertaken by local services in Donegal in order to ensure that all those involved in working with children and families engage in reflective practice and continue to improve the quality of services being offered.
“I commend staff for the open and honest way in which they engaged with this process and believe that service to children in the area has greatly improved since the tragic events of 2002 and subsequently.
“It behoves all of us as professionals to constantly review our working standards to ensure that the injustices of the past do not continue. The events surrounding this review also remind us of our collective, societal obligations to keep children safe.
“I wish to confirm that there is no intention to keep this internal document secret from victims and any request from victims to my office for a copy of the report will be facilitated.
“It is not normal practice to publish internal staff review documents and it is for this reason that there are no plans for wider publication.”
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