Update by the Irish Spiritan Province

A commitment was made to those sexually abused by Spiritans that we would provide a clear update on the steps we are taking towards redress and healing for all who suffered sexual abuse in childhood through the deplorable actions of members of our Province and those employed by us.

The Spiritans welcome Restore Together’s continued engagement and acknowledge the deep pain and frustration expressed by victims and survivors in their October update. We remain profoundly sorry for the abuse suffered by those in our care, and we are committed – morally and practically – to a process of truth, justice and redress that is genuine, comprehensive and sustainable. 

We fully accept that progress has not been as fast as anyone would wish. Victims and survivors have carried this burden for decades, and we understand that every delay feels like a renewed injury. We share the determination to ensure that no one is left behind.

However, we must respond clearly to the suggestion that the Spiritans are deliberately delaying or obstructing progress. That is not the case. 

We have been fully transparent about our financial position. The reality is we do not yet have the liquid resources required to begin issuing redress payments. Our plan, as part of the overall financial restructuring of the Province is to create the required liquidity by selling Spiritan assets. 

Progress is being made and Rockwell Farm will be the first of these properties to be sold, but this involves multiple legal, valuation and regulatory steps that simply take time to complete.

As a registered charitable organisation, the Spiritans are subject to the oversight of the Charities Regulator and subject to audit. The Province is legally required to ensure that funds are properly realised and secured before any payments can be made. We cannot, in good conscience, promise payments before those funds are available – doing so would risk failing to deliver what you rightly deserve.

We recognise the immense urgency that victims and survivors feel. We feel it too. We continue to meet regularly with survivors and to provide ongoing counselling and restorative meetings facilitated by the independent Restorative Justice Team. These encounters are deeply important to us, and they continue to shape how we respond and plan.

The Spiritans remain fully committed to the Restorative Process Framework that we agreed with Restore Together. It is our intention to finalise the details of the framework once there is sufficient liquidity available. Our intention has never been to delay but to ensure that the redress programme is credible, transparent, sustainable and properly funded. 

We ask for understanding as we continue to navigate these complex financial and legal steps. We will provide a further public update as soon as key transactions are concluded and timelines can be confirmed with confidence. 

To victims and survivors, we reiterate our commitment: this process will be completed as quickly as it can be done responsibly, sustainably and with honesty, compassion and accountability. 

With resolve and renewed commitment, 

Brendan Carr C.S.Sp.

Spiritan Provincial