Vol. 520 No. 5
36 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in light of the vote by the survivors of child abuse to boycott the Commission of Inquiry into Child Abuse, he has any proposals to address their concerns at this stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16125/00]
It is important, first of all, to correct the impression which might be created by this question that there is a general feeling among survivors of child abuse that they should boycott the commission to inquire into child abuse. That is not the case. As far as I am aware all but one of the several groups set up, both here and in Britain, to support survivors of abuse have welcomed the establishment of the commission and are actively advocating people to attend. It is important that that message be clearly conveyed from this House so that the confidence of already vulnerable people may not be damaged.
I am aware of the decision by one of the groups concerned not to participate in the work of the commission. This group has in the past met with officials of my Department but has not done so in recent times, although officials have made themselves available to meet them and are still available. It is through such meetings, where there can be detailed discussion of outstanding concerns, that doubts can be clarified and compromises reached where possible. Since the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act, 2000, has now been enacted establishing the commission on an independent statutory footing, I and my Department have a limited role to play in the conduct of its affairs and it is essential that this is clearly seen to be the case in the interests of ensuring that its independence is in no way compromised.
