Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 1

Written Answers. - Child Abuse.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

254 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 can put his case to the proposed commission on abuse of children; and when he will be able to do this. [13155/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

One of the primary objectives of the commission on childhood abuse is to provide a forum to victims of abuse to tell of the abuse they suffered. As the Taoiseach stated when announcing the establishment of the commission it is proposed that the first task of the commission will be to determine whether it requires alteration to its terms of reference, how it proposes to carry out its work and whether it needs statutory powers and protections. This phase of the commission's work is to be completed within three months of its establishment.

It is not possible therefore for me to set out at this stage the way in which the person concerned can put his case to the commission, as this will be a matter for the commission to decide. I can assure the Deputy however that the person concerned will be afforded an opportunity to put his case to the commission. The precise procedures will be widely advertised when the commission has decided upon them. I am also prepared to refer the name and address of the person to the commission as soon as it is established if that is his wish.