Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
621. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the meetings his Department has had with an organisation (details supplied) in 2020; the planned follow-up meetings in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44862/20]
View answer622. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the investigations that will be taking place into child protection issues at an organisation (details supplied); when these investigations will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44863/20]
View answer623. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the way in which his Department will communicate with persons affected by historical child protection issues at an organisation (details supplied); if there will be a liaison person assigned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44864/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 621 to 623, inclusive, together.
I met with the Commissioner of St John Ambulance in late 2020, and I am satisfied that the organisation in its current form is taking the matter to which the Deputy refers extremely seriously. St John Ambulance is keeping my Department informed of their intentions on how to progress the matter.
The Deputy may also be aware that a number of civil cases are in train in relation to the matter, and that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on issues before the courts.
I can assure the Deputy that all correspondence received by me, or my officials on my behalf, in relation to retrospective allegations of abuse is treated with the utmost sensitivity and responded to appropriately. I have received correspondence relating to abuse, in the past, in St John Ambulance. The Deputy will understand that it would not be appropriate for me to share details of this correspondence.
If you are aware of other individuals that have had similar experiences, as children, in St. John Ambulance please encourage them to come forward to the relevant authorities, An Garda Síochána and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
