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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 3

Written Answers. - Child Abuse.

Rory O'Hanlon

Ceist:

383 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements that are in place for legal representation for victims of abuse appearing before the Laffoy commission; if such victims will be provided with legal representation of their own choice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28372/00]

The chairperson of the commission to inquire into child abuse, Ms Justice Laffoy, announced at the second public sitting of the commission – 20 July 2000 – that the commission would grant the right of legal representation to each person appearing before the investigation committee to make an allegation of abuse, or who was accused of an allegation of abuse. The chairperson further stated that this right of representation would consist of one barrister and one solicitor per individual.

The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act, 2000, provides that the Minister for Education and Science shall make a scheme to defray such legal costs – section 20. Officials of my Department are currently in discussions with legal representatives of those groups likely to appear before the commission in regard to the making of such a scheme. My Department is being assisted by the Attorney General's office in this exercise. It is my intention that any scheme of legal expenses should be adequate to meet the needs of those persons appearing before the commission. However, in saying this I must also take account of the deliberate design of the commission to inquire into child abuse, based upon an inquisitorial, rather than adversarial legal framework. Such a system reduces the need for extensive or ongoing legal representation, placing the onus of inquiry on the commission.
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