Child Abuse

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023

Wednesday, 18 January 2023

Questions (738)

Michael Creed

Question:

738. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 272 of 6 December 2022, if she is satisfied with the situation whereby the State’s capacity to address the issue of child sexual abuse at a location (details supplied) is contingent on its request to the religious order involved to retain all existing records relating to allegations of child sexual abuse; her views on the failure of the State to date to seize all existing records held by the religious order; the risk of evidence being destroyed; the assurances, if any, that she has received that this will not happen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63962/22]

Written answers

Minister for Education

As the Deputy is aware, I have engaged with the congregation concerned in respect of the importance of ensuring that all records relating to allegations of child sexual abuse are retained.  Consideration of any further steps which may required is ongoing.

As the Deputy may also be aware, the Sexual Crime Management Unit at the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) is co-ordinating the Garda investigation into the allegations.