Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
982. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when she envisages having a scheme up and running to provide compensation arising out of a case (details supplied) to the victims of sexual abuse in schools over the years; if this will be in the form of an ex-gratia payment; the method by which this will be assessed; the reason for the delay in making this scheme available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18880/21]
View answerAs you are aware, the ex gratia scheme was established on foot of the specific circumstances arising from and in response to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) relating to Louise O'Keeffe.
The Department undertook to review of the scheme in response to a determination by the Independent Assessor, Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill that one of the criteria for eligibility is incompatible with the ECtHR judgement.
The issues involved are highly sensitive and complex and require careful deliberation before proposals can be finalised and brought to Government. It is important to have a more complete awareness of the extent of the problem, the number of people who could potentially be involved, the legal implications of any course of action, and an accurate estimate of likely costs before a new or modified scheme is considered. Officials from my Department are closely engaged with officials from the Attorney General’s office to work through these complex matters. Proposals will be brought to Government when this process has concluded.
