The Role of Journalism in Exposing Scandals in Ireland Essay

Introduction

Investigative journalism is a powerful tool for solving cases in today’s democratic world. Investigative journalism plays a core role in informing the public on essential reports and exposing unethical issues worldwide. Today’s investigative journalism is a robust industry in revealing society’s dark secrets and creating awareness of the dangers lurking in particular communities globally. The world is more involved and informed on trends and global issues that significantly affect the social, economic, and political spheres through investigative journalism. Journalism is also helping authorities unfold cases beyond their jurisdiction due to governmental restrictions since investigative journalists can work independently and secretly to uncover truths.

However, investigative journalism did not possess the power of exposing societal evils throughout history. The industry has undergone challenges, threats, and evolutions to become a regular practice in helping to solve cases in many countries. In Ireland, investigative journalism started in the mid-20th century despite objections and censorship from various groups. The Irish government and religious institutions, particularly the catholic church, had restrictions against investigative journalism throughout history. They limited the journalists’ access to critical records providing evidence through censorships, limiting investigative journalists from accessing crucial cases. However, journalists have exposed many scandals in culture, religion, and the government through investigation using anonymous sources. This essay reviews and explains the investigative journalists brought to light hidden cases of child sexual abuse in the Irish catholic society and corruption cases involving government officials.

Definition and History

Investigative journalism refers to reports involving in-depth investigation on a particular matter hidden from society and has significant impacts on people’s lives. The issue may be political, religious, or a critical concern in the community that needs evaluation and thorough investigation into the matter (Lynch, 2021). Most investigative reports focus on corruption, government policies, and uncovering dark secrets in society such as cultic groups, sexual abuse, and mysterious murders, among others. Investigative journalism requires an organized team of expert reporters to uncover mysteries hidden in archives and unauthorized records. Thus, the practice needs discretion and the utmost attention to obtain and report the necessary information.

In Ireland, journalism developed in the mid-20th century as a result of many changes in the country. During the century, Ireland went through many changes socially, culturally, and economically due to the fight for independence and obtaining freedom (Horgan and Flynn, 2017). The modifications brought critical social, religious, and cultural issues that people were ignorant about, which posed a significant threat to the community. The problems were controversial and needed immediate addressing, which caught the attention of investigative journalists trying to make the practice professional and valuable to society. The journalistic interests in the 20th century centered around advocating for nationalism involving activist and commentary movements. With time, the commentaries developed into professional journalism, where journalists started practicing professional norms and codes like those of the United States and Greater Britain (Lynch, 2021). Despite challenges and restrictions, the journalists were eager to uncover societal filth and expose unethical issues that most people ignored due to particular reasons. The most significant problem at the time was sexual abuse in Irish catholic society.

Exposure to Child Sexual Abuse Among Catholic Clergy

Sexual abuse among children and adolescents has been a global concern for decades and is among the most hidden acts in society. Sexual abuse in children comprises pedophilic acts, rape, sodomy, and verbal harassment. The abuse can occur anywhere from home, schools, and religious places by people close to the victims. Throughout history, young boys and girls have been subject to sexual exploitation and harassment across many societies and religious groups. Although the act is immoral, societal and religious leaders cover up most of these cases to avoid public scrutiny and tarnish religion and Christianity’s image. Most of the unheard sexual abuse cases occurred in the 20th century (Senander, 2017). Most public was not aware of the sexual abuse acts in the larger society and religious leaders.

Irish citizens and the global society were still unconscious of child sexual abuse until the early 21st century when journalists created public awareness through investigations. Despite sexual abuse cases, the organization usually considered victims of such harassment as either poor or abandoned by the community and their families. Alternatively, sex and Sexual abuse topics were taboo among the conservative communities, leading to unheard cries from the victims (Powell, 2020). Reporting cases of abuse in Ireland was disregarded, mainly when the case involved religious leaders. Historically, Ireland is a reserved and customary country that believes in maintaining its values and ethics through following religious doctrines and societal norms.

Victims of sexual abuse in Ireland had no one to talk to since most Irish societies believed in the sanctity of Catholic priests. Children also feared exposing the act to their parents to avoid reprimanding and societal ire. According to (Powell, 2020), victims of sexual abuse were silent about the matter leading to slow suffering and many suicide attempts in Ireland. The development of media and investigative journalism brought the sexual abuse matter to light in the late 20th century. Investigative journalists were able to air their findings through media houses creating extensive awareness of the act to the public. Journalists brought forward undercover cases about child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy, leaving the Irish society in dilemma and anger regarding the moral corruption of religious leaders.

The Diocese of Fern Scandal

Ireland has been among the most affected European countries on issues regarding sexual abuse for decades. Being the most common religious belief in Ireland, many people could not believe that the catholic clergy could involve in sexual acts with children and adolescents under their care. In Irish society, the catholic church plays a significant role in establishing and managing institutions for children and adolescents, particularly in the early years of gaining independence. Religion assisted Ireland in achieving social and economic stability through providing revenue and managing children’s homes. The church was held in high esteem by society and the government, resulting in blind trust in handing over children to irresponsible clergy members. Additionally, the early church considered sexual offenses, particularly situations involving the sexual abuse of children, among the most severe and evil violations (Senander, 2017). Yet, Catholic clergy continued to harass young boys and girls sexually while covering up the immorality in religious

The first investigative journalism case brought to light on sexual abuse is the Ferns report involving the Catholic clergy’s engagement in child sexual abuse. The diocese of Ferns scandal shocked and shamed the catholic community since investigative journalists found out that other catholic leaders were aware of the immorality. However, the sexual abuse complaints never came to light due to corruption and the influence of the influential religious leader. In the investigative report, journalists dug out archive records and evidence of sexual abuse complaints for over a decade. It was discovered that the first complaint was lodged in 1966 involving a diocesan priest, Fr. Collins, harassing 20 boys in the schools’ living quarters (Shotter and Huber, 2019). The Diocesan Bishop dismissed the case after teaching the priest morality and amnesty to return to work.

During the journalistic inquiries into the issue, the reporters found out that sexual activities involving priests were considered spiritual or psychological problems that needed private addressing to solve the problem. The second sexual abuse complaint was presented in 1976 involving a priest named father Fortune (Senander, 2017). The presiding Bishop of the Diocese reacted to the criticism with claims of the priest suffering from psychological and mental pressure. More cases involving clergy with sexual abuse were treated as psychiatric cases, and priests were sent to psychological assessments. The cases were forgotten as priests left and came back or were replaced, leading to many mysteries. The sexually molested adolescents never got help while the matter remained hidden by the leaders of catholic society. As a result, the public was ignorant of the sexual activities in the church since religious leaders are a haven for children and the vulnerable in society.

The Monageer Parish Scandal

In 1988, victims of sexual abuse also brought forward sexual harassment complaints in the Monageer parish. The accusations involved a parish priest sexually harassing young girls during classes for the confirmation sacrament. During the investigation, journalists discovered the sexual molestation of 10 underage girls by father Grennan. According to the religion’s congregation, the priest was a great teacher, counselor, and friend of young people going through religious classes to become full Catholics (Senander, 2017). Parents and societal leaders trusted the priest to handle their children spiritually, but he failed their trust by harassing the young girls sexually. Complaints were brought forward to the Diocese bishop, where the priest was sent away. However, sending the priest away was only a way of distracting the parents and society from further investigations. The priest was back within a short period and attended the confirmation ceremony involving the molested group. The case was covered without prosecution and future research until investigative journalists took over the matters in the early 21st century.

Following the exposure of sexual abuse in the catholic church, newspapers and broadcasting televisions began reporting and creating public awareness of the act. Many allegations came to light concerning priests from other parishes increasing the number of sexually abused youth by clergypersons. Publicizing the issue raised concern in society, forcing the Irish state leaders and religious protocols to form investigative committees to inquire into the matter. The sexual abuse victims’ complaints and allegations were confirmed through the investigations, leading to the trial and conviction of the involved priests (Powell, 2020). The Catholic society, including the Pope, halted Father Fortune’s ministry as a catholic priest despite his protests and delaying of case trials. Bishops from the diocese who were accountable for covering up the sexual abuse scandals were also admonished through harsh punishments while others resigned (Powell, 2020). Investigative journalism effectively created awareness, leading to the establishment of child protection agencies and policies against sexual abuse.

Corruption Scandals by Government Officials

The FAS Scandal

In 2008, investigative journalists discovered an overwhelming case regarding misuse of taxpayer funds at FAS (Forsa Aiseanna Saothair). The FAS organization is a state agency responsible for training and employing youth in the country. During the investigations, journalists found evidence pointing to wastage and mismanaging of corporate funds for personal use. According to the reports, taxpayers’ money was spent on fancy flights and food among FAS officials and their wives who are not part of the organization (Biondi and Boisseau-Sierra, 2017). Journalists’ attention during the investigations was on Rody Molloy, who was the director-general of FAS. In an attempt to deny the allegations, the director tried to defend his actions by justifying the vast expenditures on fancy things and personal use. However, due to public awareness, the tax-paying citizens became more angered by the statements and demanded accountability and transparency of the expenditure. Exposing the FAS scandal led to the resignation of Mr. Molloy and a series of investigations on his corruption and poor management of funds at FAS.

The investigative journalists uncovered more critical evidence regarding wasting taxpayers ‘ money by investigating Mr. Molloy’s wastage of taxpayers’ money on personal use. Journalists found out that the FAS director paid incredible amounts of money for television broadcasts and promotional adverts. According to the investigative report, the organization had spent more than 600,000 Euros on advertisements alone (Biondi and Boisseau-Sierra, 2017). Further incriminating evidence was found against Mr. Molloy in September 2009, when it was discovered that he embezzled the organization’s funds by increasing his pension. According to the journalists, Molloy’s pension had an additional 1.4 million Euros that was not accounted for in the company’s financial statements (Biondi and Boisseau-Sierra, 2017). The issue led to allegations against other government officials involved directly or indirectly in Molloy’s dirty delaying with taxpayer money. The investigative journalists’ findings led to the resignation of Molloy, ending his corrupt ways. The other government officials became under constant scrutiny by the media, society, and legal system, which demanded accountability for their actions. All these scandals were exposed by investigative journalists who were commended for their incredible work by society members, the authorities, and the government.

Conclusion

Ireland’s investigative journalism became active in the mid-20th century during the fight and struggled for independence from the United Kingdom. The conflicts and freedom brought many changes in the social, religious, and political spheres, which resulted in more societal awareness of significant issues affecting the community. Journalism became active in that period in the form of activists and political commentators. After many challenges and threats from politics, religious groups, and the government, investigative journalism was established to deal with the hidden scandals within government, religion, and political business sectors.

The first cases uncovered involved the immorality and sexual corruption of catholic clergy, which created a sensation among the public. Investigations brought to light the fear and sexual abuse of children and adolescents that was covered well within the religious domain involving priests, nuns, and bishops. Journalists also brought to light vandalism and corruption of taxpayers’ money by government officials, of which the public was not aware. The exposure led to trials and prosecution of the involved parties leading to justice for the victims. Although journalists have the freedom and security to investigate crucial cases involving influential people, European countries’ investigative journalism is still under customary and civil restrictions, limiting the journalistic coverage of critical issues.

Reference List

Biondi, Y. and Boisseau-Sierra, M. 2017. ‘Pension obligations in the European Union: a case study for accounting policy,’ Accounting, Economics, and Law, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 129-153.

Horgan, J. and Flynn, R. 2017. Irish media: A critical history (Revised and expanded new edition), Four Courts Press, Portland.

Lynch, J. A. 2021. ‘Deon and Telos: how journalisms are evolving their ethical approaches,’ Journalism and Media, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 484.

Powell, F. 2020. ‘Continuity and change in the welfare state: social security in the Republic of Ireland, £59.99, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 282, HBK’, Journal of social policy, vol. 49, no. 4, pp. 881-883.

Senander, A. 2017. ‘Beyond scandal: creating a culture of accountability in the catholic church: JBE,’ Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 146, no. 4, pp. 859-867.

Shotter, J. & Huber, E. 2019. Church scandal dents Poland’s faith: allegations of pedophilia have put the Catholic Church in Poland under the most intense scrutiny it has faced in three decades. It now finds itself at the heart of a bitter fight over national identity, by James Shotter and Evon Huber [Asia Region], London (UK).