Olwyn Enright
Ceist:187 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the standing of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21229/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 July 2004
Ceisteanna (193)
Freagraí scríofa
The position on the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse is that the confidential committee and the investigation committee are both fully operational. The confidential committee continues to hear the stories of those persons who have applied to it and I understand that it has heard some 866 cases at this stage.
With regard to the investigation committee, it is currently conducting a series of public hearings into the emergence of child abuse in Ireland. The details of the public hearings are posted on the commission's website www.childabusecommission.ie.
The chairperson has stated that he intends to recommend further amendments to the commission legislation and, upon receipt, these amendments will be brought to Government for its consideration without delay. In the meantime the commission is satisfied that the investigation committee can continue its work and has indicated that it intends to commence hearings on St. Joseph's, Ferryhouse, Clonmel in September of this year.