Vol. 502 No. 2
124 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if an inspector of his Department made an internal report regarding allegations in 1982 against a serving teacher, now retired, who was recently convicted of sexual abuse against pupils (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7526/99]
125 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether his Department has ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety of pupils in national schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7527/99]
127 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether a register of sex offenders would offer a basic safeguard against the kind of abuse perpetrated by a person (details supplied) recently convicted of sexual abuse of pupils. [7531/99]
128 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the fact that if there had been a legal obligation on the school managers and board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Offaly to report cases of alleged sexual abuse, a person convicted of sexual abuse of pupils would not have been able to move from school to school to commit further offence. [7532/99]
129 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will initiate a full public inquiry into the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly recently convicted for sexual abuse of pupils in order that lessons can be learned, accountability established and new procedures put in place to ensure the risks to children are minimised. [7533/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 124, 125, 127, 128 and 129 together.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Deputy Bruton's Priority Question of 2 December, 1998 where I dealt with this matter at length. I have also dealt comprehensively with the issue in replies to subsequent questions on 3 December, 1998 and on 24 February 1999. In addition, I have offered access to the Department's file on the matter to any Deputy in the House with an interest in the case, this offer remains.
As I indicated in my earlier replies, a letter of complaint regarding the principal in question was received by the Department in 1982. This letter referred to his removal from his former position as principal of a primary school as a result of allegations of abuse of boys in his class in the period 1965-70. The letter also indicated that the author had been in touch with the authorities of the secondary school in which the former principal was then teaching. I have been informed by officials of my Department that there is no record of an internal report submitted by an inspector in relation to these allegations. As I have clearly stated previously, I believe that the Department's response to this complaint was seriously lacking. The Deputy will appreciate that procedures for handling such cases are now significantly different.
The safety of pupils in national schools is first and foremost the responsibility of the school and its management authorities. The role of my Department is to assist schools in carrying out their responsibilities by informing them of best practice and by ensuring, as far as practicable, that they adhere to such practice. Under current procedures relating to the safety of children in schools, my Department also ensures that any allegations are fully and properly investigated and acted upon, and reported to the Gardai or health authorities where appropriate. Procedures relating to the safety of children and in particular relating to sex abuse are kept under continuous review by my Department to ensure that children are protected. A full review of procedures is at present being carried out by my Department in association with the Department of Health and Children and I will ensure that updated guidelines will be issued to all schools following completion of that review, which I expect to receive in the near future.
126 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of cases of alleged sexual abuse by teachers being investigated by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7530/99]
My Department's role in relation to allegations of sexual abuse by teachers is to ensure that school authorities are aware of their obligations in this area. My Department also ensures that clear guidelines are in place to assist school authorities in dealing with the reporting of any such allegations or suspicions.
The investigation of cases of alleged sexual abuse by teachers is a matter for the health authorities and the Garda, and my Department has no function in such investigations. It does, however, offer all assistance that might be helpful in these circumstances.
