Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
293. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if she will report on her Department’s scoping inquiry into abuse in religious institutions; if she will ensure that victims of abuse in protestant-ethos institutions are treated equally with victims of abuse in other schools in Ireland, including other religious schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39889/23]
View answerThe Scoping Inquiry was established by the Government in response to revelations of historical sexual abuse in a number of day and boarding schools run by religious orders. Having regard to this, and a challenging timeframe for the Scoping Inquiry to complete its work, the priority focus of the Scoping Inquiry is on day and boarding schools run by religious orders. It is not the role of the Scoping Inquiry to make findings of fact in respect of individual schools or individual allegations of abuse.
The Lead of the Scoping Inquiry will, having regard to the outcomes sought by survivors, make recommendations on the scope and breath of the Government response to the revelations of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders. However, the Deputy may wish to note in this regard that it is envisaged the recommended response could also form a template for Government responses in respect of other settings.
The Deputy may also wish to note that elements of the Scoping Inquiry focus on the school sector as a whole, including an analysis of child protection systems within the primary and post-primary sector.
