Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
481. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he expects the publication of a report (details supplied); the steps being taken by the Government to ensure that this report is published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11515/23]
View answerI wish to advise that I wrote to St John Ambulance to seek information about the publication of the report on 12th December 2022. St John Ambulance replied on 23rd December and confirmed that they had received a completed report from Dr Shannon. The Commissioner of St John Ambulance stated that the organisation was committed to publishing the full report immediately after the relevant legal review had taken place. The Commissioner further informed me that the legal review of the report was underway and that St John Ambulance was committed to completing this process in a timely manner.
The Commissioner stated that he would write again to me in the New Year with a publication date for the report. The Department has also informed Tusla of the expected publication of the report. Tusla officials have liaised with St John Ambulance regarding safeguarding measures now in place in this organisation.
I wrote again to St John Ambulance on 26th January 2023 seeking an update regarding the expected publication date of the report. I can confirm that neither this Department nor Tusla, the Child and Family agency has had sight of the Independent report by Dr. Shannon. St John Ambulance continues to complete its due diligence process. The organisation has advised that they are engaging with the victims/ survivors through their appointed independent review panel, which is chaired by Dr. Shannon, around the process of the report’s publication and that this engagement is underway at present.
St John Ambulance is not a body under the aegis of my Department however in my capacity as Minister with responsibility for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, I have encouraged St John Ambulance to engage with Tusla and with the independent review process.
