LAST NIGHT’S EPISODE of Prime Time took a look at the Church of Scientology and its presence here in Ireland.
The show spoke about the previous attempts made by Scientology to grow its membership in Ireland, before returning in the last few years with a multi-million euro investment to funnel into its three properties; one on Merrion Square, one larger facility in Firhouse and another in Ballivor in Meath through its affiliated drug treatment organisation, Narconon.
The show revealed that although just 87 people listed themselves as Scientologists in the last census here in Ireland, those running the organisation have shared doctored promotional videos depicting much more interest.
It tries to recruit new members through outreach, free events, and leaflets through your door.
According to former Scientologist, Pete Griffiths, their sales pitch is simple.
“You simply ask a person, ‘what’s ruining your life?’ and I say anything,” he told RTÉ.
“Girlfriend problems, wife problems, how to raise kids, money, whatever you name the Scientology response is, ‘we can help you with that’.”
It has grown public awareness through a number of high-profile members, including Tom Cruise, Kirstie Alley and Elisabeth Moss.
However, one of their celebrity members Leah Remini, who joined at the age of nine, left in 2013 and ever since has worked to expose the organisation.
Remini is now on the third season of her show Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath which has earned huge acclaim and attention worldwide.
Ahead of the airing of last night’s Prime Time, Leah took to Twitter to warn the Irish public about the dangers of the so-called religion she used to be a part of.
Dialogue Ireland’s Mike Garde has been keeping an eye on the organisation ever since their first arrival in the 1980’s and says he has seen the devastating effects here at home.
“I’ve been dealing with the families of people from Malin Head to Mizen Head in this country who have been affected by this Scientology organisation,” he told RTE.
“Breakup of marriages, breakup of families – of one guy, he became addicted completely to alcohol, they tore him apart.”
The latest episode of Prime Time is available to view on the RTÉ Player now.
