Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 2

Written Answers - Sexual Abuse in Schools.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

399 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of incidents reported or made known to his Department over the past 20 years including the number of teachers, the number of students and the number of complaints, in allegations of sexual abuse by members of the teaching profession in schools; the investigation, if any, conducted by his Department in respect of these complaints or incidents; the action, if any, taken as a consequence of this investigation; if any suspensions, resignations or retirements were accepted or received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24684/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

My Department issued guidlines to all primary schools in 1991 and to post-primary schools in 1992. These guidelines were drawn up in consulation with the education partners, and cover suspected child abuse either external or internal to the school.

The guidelines make clear that the role of the school authorities is to ensure that suspicions or allegations of child abuse should be reported to the health authorities or the Garda. My Department does not conduct investigations to establish the veracity or otherwise of allegations of sexual abuse. As pointed out in the guidelines this is the responsibility of the health authorities and the Garda. While my Department does not have details of the number of such allegations over the past 20 years, it ensures that allegations which are brought to its attention are reported to the proper statutory authorities. Such allegations would also be brought to the attention of the managerial authorities of the relevant schools, who have a responsibility for the safety and well being of the pupils entrusted to their care. The question of suspension of a teacher who is the subject of an allegation of sexual abuse is a matter for the managerial authorities of the school.

A working party, representative of the education partners, is currently examining the guidelines issued to schools with a view to ensuring that they remain relevant to the situations faced by teachers in their classrooms. Representatives of the health boards have joined the working party. In addition my officials have held discussions with representatives of the Working Group to Review the Child Abuse Guidelines which has been established by the Department of Health and Children. It is the intention to issue updated guidelines to schools once that group has completed its final report, which is due at the end of February, 1999. I am satisfied that this type of close co-operation between the health boards, the partners and my Department will ensure that the welfare of the children is safeguarded.