6 May 1999 Edition

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Alleged Sexual Abuse in Dundrum

Following shocking revelations of alleged sexual abuse at Dundrum Mental Detention Centre in Dublin, Sinn Féin Councillor Christy Burke has called for an immediate investigation into the state institution over the last 20 years.

Councillor Burke said he was ``shocked and repulsed'' following a series of meetings with three of the five female inmates in the hospital and one of their families. ``I was physically sick at the graphic details of mental anguish and alleged physical violation I encountered,'' he said. ``These women have been left, unmonitored, in a vulnerable and potentially volatile situation, as with many others in the care of the state. I am calling for them to be temporarily removed from this institution to more modern facilities and for a full-scale review of how the system operates within such institutions and how monitoring can be improved. Male orderlies should, in the future, be accompanied by female staff at all times, while in the female unit''. Following a meeting on Tuesday night with a senior Eastern Health Board representative, Christy confirmed that the Rape Crisis Centre is to be called in to counsel the three alleged victims, while counselling services are also to be provided for their families. The demolition of the female unit at Dundrum, for which Burke is pressing, has yet to be agreed.


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