I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 to 231, inclusive, together.
Over the last two years My Department has received regular progress reports from Scouting Ireland with regards to their governance and safeguarding, and have also regularly met with officials from Scouting Ireland to discuss these. The most recent progress report was 9 March 2019 and this was followed by a meeting to discuss the report on 10 April 2019.
My Department is expecting a further progress report from Scouting Ireland on 30 October 2019 and are planning again to have a meeting with officials from Scouting Ireland in November 2019 to discuss same (date to be confirmed). The report will include an update on all aspects of governance, safeguarding, including relevant figures on historic abuse cases.
As the Deputy may be aware, previous progress reports are available on Scouting Ireland’s website https://www.scouts.ie//News/2019/Scouting-Ireland-Report-to-DCYA-March-2019.pdf. The October 2019 report, and any appendices and attached reports, will also be made available once they have been considered by my Department.
I am unclear regarding the Deputy's reference to ‘the person charged with auditing these files’. However, I understand that Scouting Ireland have been in regular positive communication with Tusla to progress the Action Plan that was agreed between Tusla and Scouting Ireland on 7 March 2019. I look forward to hearing of progress with this Action Plan in the forthcoming progress report.
I understand that the individual employed as a Safeguarding Manager within Scouting Ireland is a mandated person as per Children First Act 2015.