Vol. 561 No. 1
282 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will publish the complete report of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Child Abuse which was established in December 1998, including all legal advice on the issue of State liability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3533/03]
The report referred to by the Deputy, Report on Measures to Assist Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse, was compiled by the Secretaries General of the Departments of Education and Science, Health and Children, Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Social and Family Affairs. The contents of the report, including all legal advice, were prepared to provide recommendations to the Cabinet on the best approach to be adopted by the State to help victims of abuse. My Department received a request in relation to this matter under the Freedom of Information Act 1997 and a copy of the documents released under the Act will be forwarded directly to the Deputy. However, the Deputy should note that certain documents are withheld due to legal privilege.
283 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of the Garda-Revenue Commissioners investigation into Trinity House which began in autumn 1992; if he has satisfied himself with the manner in which the board of management and the staff of his Department discharged their duties in relation to the matters investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3534/03]
My Department commenced a comprehensive audit of Trinity House school, Lusk, County Dublin, on 29 September 1992. This audit was part of a detailed audit programme of young offender centres which commenced in 1992. Certain matters which came to light during the course of the audit of Trinity House were reported to the Garda in December 1992 and to the Revenue Commissioners in July 1993. The internal audit unit of my Department provided details and supporting documentation of the irregularities identified to the Garda authorities. As a result of irregularities which came to light at an early stage in the audit of Trinity House, a member of staff of the school was suspended from duty on 17 November 1992. The detailed Garda investigation into alleged fraud at Trinity House failed to disclose any primary evidence to support a criminal charge.
