Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 5

Written Answers. - Sexual Offences.

Phil Hogan

Question:

152 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Garda Síochána were informed of allegations of sex abuse at reformatory and industrial schools in Kilkenny and Clonmel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22998/02]

Phil Hogan

Question:

153 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he was informed of allegations of sexual abuse at St. Michael's residential centre at Cappaquin, County Waterford, from the period circa 1978 to 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22999/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.

Following the raising of particular allegations of sexual abuse in Kilkenny and Clonmel in April of this year, the Secretary General of my Depart ment contacted the Garda and handed the matter over for investigation. All reports held by my Department as well as any other relevant documents in the Department's archive are available to the Garda for the purpose of the investigation. Regarding allegations of sexual abuse in St. Michael's residential centre, formerly St. Michael's industrial school, I am aware that several past residents at Cappoquin, County Waterford, have made allegations that they suffered abuse while resident. While my Department does not have full details of all these allegations, I understand that at least six allegations relate to the period referred to by the Deputy. My Department has insufficient information concerning these allegations to state the precise nature of the abuse being alleged. The majority of the allegations concerning this centre, of which the Department is aware, relate chiefly to the period 1950s and 1960s.