Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2005
235 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of complaints regarding physical abuse in an industrial school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 which were received in 1991 and 1992; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35825/05]
View answerThe Garda, in conjunction with the former Eastern Health Board, my Department and the management of the industrial school referred to by the Deputy were engaged in a look-back investigation into allegations of abuse at this school. This look-back investigation, which was initiated in 1996 and involved interviews with a sample of former residents, identified 41 allegations of abuse. However it is not clear how many of these allegations refer specifically to 1991 or 1992.
Arising from this investigation, files were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding allegations of abuse at the industrial school. My Department provided every possible assistance to the Garda and made available all relevant records in this regard.
I would also like to confirm that relevant documentation held by my Department in relation to the sexual, physical and emotional abuse or neglect of children in industrial and reformatory schools was forwarded to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse in compliance with a discovery order from the Commission in June 2003.
236 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that a statement regarding the industrial and reformatory schools which a person (details supplied) sent to her Department at the end of March 1988 has been provided to the Child Abuse Commission in its entirety; the date on which same was provided to the commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35826/05]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the statement referred to in her question was provided in its entirety to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse in June 2003.
