North Wexford Fine Gael representative, Senator Michael D’Arcy has welcomed the apology made in Dáil Éireann last Thursday by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, to Louise O’Keefe who won her case at European Court of Human Rights.

“I was glad to hear An Taoiseach apologise to Louise O’Keefe for the failure of the State in its responsibility to her when she was being abused as a national school student.”

Sen. D’Arcy said Louise O’Keefe deserves this apology. “Sadly the abuse she suffered was experienced by many other children in Ireland,” he stated.

“In my own county of Wexford, we are all too aware of the impact of child abuse and the failure to address it.

“As evidenced by Louise O’Keefe’s story, the abuse went beyond the clergy and permeated many areas of our society.

“The perseverance and fortitude Louise has shown in the face of bureaucracy and intimidation from the State is inspiring.

“I believe that this week’s judgement, the humanity and empathy displayed by Louise, and the apology of An Taoiseach represent another important step in this country’s journey to deal with its past and protect children for the future.

Full story in THE GOREY ECHO this week.