19 Dunderrow Abuse Victims Denied Redress, Dáil Hears
Nineteen women abused by former Dunderrow principal Leo Hickey are suing the State for denying them redress, despite their testimonies securing his 1998 conviction. Dáil leaders, including Holly Cairns, Pearse Doherty, and Ivana Bacik, called for justice, highlighting the ongoing struggle for compensation.
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns read testimonies in the Dáil from two of 19 women abused by former Dunderrow National School principal Leo Hickey. These women, now in their 60s and 70s, are seeking legal action against the State for denying them redress, despite their testimonies helping to convict Hickey in 1998.
Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty and Labour leader Ivana Bacik supported calls for justice. Doherty referenced Louise O’Keeffe, another Hickey victim, who won compensation from the State at the European Court of Human Rights. He noted that despite this 2012 judgment, other victims from the same school and period are still fighting for redress.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin acknowledged the trauma and the “evil” abuse by Hickey. He stated the Government would enter mediation with the group in good faith, but also mentioned reviewing the situation in the context of schools generally. Martin supported Bacik’s proposed legislation to enable survivors to claim redress from religious orders.