Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
474. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that survivors who were involved in the scoping inquiry into abuse in schools run by religious orders will receive a copy of the report in June 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12483/24]
View answerThe Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders was announced on March 7th 2023. The Scoping Inquiry is independently led by Ms Mary O’Toole SC. It is due to report to me by June 7th 2024.
The Scoping Inquiry is independent and its work is ongoing. A central element of the Scoping Inquiry is a trauma-informed survivor engagement process, led by child protection expert, Kieran McGrath. The purpose of the Scoping Inquiry’s engagement with survivors is to hear from those who experienced historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders about their experiences and their preferences for the Government’s response. The report of the Scoping Inquiry will have particular regard to the outcome of the survivor engagement process.
On receipt of the report of the Scoping Inquiry, it is my intention to give the report and its recommendations detailed consideration before bringing it to Government in due course, at which point decisions relating to next steps will be made.
I am deeply cognisant of the trauma that has been suffered by all survivors of abuse and I am hugely grateful to those who have come forward to participate in the Scoping Inquiry. Their participation is key to ensuring that the wishes of survivors in relation to a Government response can be taken into consideration and I commend the courage that they have shown in doing so.
