Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
1213. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to set up a redress board for persons that suffered sexual abuse in an organisation (details supplied); and the timeframe for the implementation of same. [18198/21]
View answerThere are no plans to establish a redress board in relation to the organisation referred to by the Deputy. It is important to note that this organisation is a voluntary body, governed by its own Board. It receives some of its funding from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and raises other funding through member subscriptions and fund raising.
My Department has previously taken a number of actions in response to findings of poor safeguarding policies and practice in this organisation. These include a governance review and, more recently, a follow up report on the progress following that review, and an ongoing requirement for regular updates on governance reforms. In addition, the organisation engaged a child protection expert to carry out a learning review, which was published. A recent audit carried out by the child protection expert noted, in February this year, the ‘positive and impressive’ progress made by the organisation.
It is worth noting that the organisation has adopted revised safeguarding policies, in consultation with Tusla. Tusla has expressed its satisfaction with progress made in relation to safeguarding, and relevant training is being provided throughout the organisation. On the basis of this positive feedback from independent governance and safeguarding experts and Tusla, and my Department’s ongoing engagement, I am satisfied with the progress and structures now in place. Safeguarding is now a strong focus and priority for the organisation.
