Vol. 496 No. 3
360 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the action she is taking in relation to recent allegations of abuse in Irish speaking colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22687/98]
361 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the action she has taken in relation to developing guidelines in relation to the reporting of child sexual abuse in colleges and private homes where children stay during their time in the Gaeltacht; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22688/98]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 360 agus Uimh. 361 le chéile.
The allegations referred to by the Deputy are a matter of deep concern to me. Once my Department became aware of the allegations, all appropriate and relevant steps were taken immediately. The matter is now the subject of Garda investigation and the Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that I cannot comment further on the allegations.
Irish colleges are subject to all the normal responsibilities to ensure the safety and well being of their pupils and I understand from the Department of Education and Science that the colleges are advised of their obligation in this regard each year. However, officials of my Department have been engaged in discussions with officials from the Department of Education and Science since last July regarding the preparation of suitable guidelines relating to child abuse for issue to all Irish summer colleges.
Those guidelines, which will be issued by the Department of Education and Science, will seek to ensure that all Irish summer colleges have proper procedures in place before the 1999 summer courses in relation to the handling of any child abuse cases which may arise while students are under their care.
