Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Tribunals of Inquiry.

Finian McGrath

Question:

301 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he supports the Laffoy commission on child sex abuse; if he supports the proposals to have some of the investigations held in private; and if he will ensure that the truth will not be silenced. [15965/03]

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

The Laffoy commission was established on foot of the commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000 to investigate child abuse in institutions in the State, to enable persons who have suffered abuse to give evidence to committees of the commission, to provide for the preparation and publication of a report of the commission containing the results of its investigations and to make any recommendations it considers appropriate for the prevention of abuse.

The commission operates by means of committees and there are two committees currently operating to facilitate the differing needs of victims. First, there is the confidential committee, which hears in total confidence the testimony of witnesses who do not wish to have their allegations investigated and where victims of abuse can tell their stories in a confidential and sympathetic forum. The purpose of this committee is to afford victims an opportunity to give an account of the abuse in an atmosphere of compassion and understanding.

Second there is an investigation committee which hears evidence from victims and investigates their cases. This committee can follow up on allegations made and can summon witnesses to hear further evidence as well as compelling the production of documentation and data.

The individual hearings of both committees are held in private. The legislation allows, however, that the investigation committee may, following investigation, name individual abusers.

A review of the mandate of the commission, and in particular, the investigation committee thereof is currently under way. The purpose of the review is to examine the procedures of the commission to ascertain if they could be amended with a view to achieving the original intentions of the Government within a more reasonable timeframe, and in a cost-effective manner. I will announce the results of the review once it has been concluded.

I will continue to fully support the commission in its work on child abuse. It is important that the truth of what happened in the various institutions is established and reported upon.