The Irish government's radical response to the Ferns inquiry into decades of child abuse by priests who - unlike their victims - enjoyed the protection of the church, dramatises the remarkable difference between political culture on either side of the Irish Sea.
In Britain, the state totters from one child abuse crisis to another, putting social workers in the stocks for failing to protect children, colluding in an inquisition against doctors for intervening, and then remaining mute while yet another inquiry exposes the disastrous effects of the Government's retreat from investigation.
The politics of child protection is driven by the amazing success of accused adults' movements. They have used complaints procedures to great effect, to sway the Government and to intimidate and discredit the child protection professions.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
