Vol. 501 No. 4
167 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of cases alleging child sexual or physical abuse while in the care of the State or church run institutions to which he is a party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6360/99]
Proceedings have been initiated in 145 cases involving allegations of sexual or other physical abuse of children while in institutions which were operated by or on behalf of the State or which were funded from public funds. In all of these cases the Minister for Education and Science, Ireland and the Attorney General are cited as defendants. In many of the cases the Minister for Health and Children or the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform or both are also cited.
In view of the pending proceedings in these cases it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
