Child Abuse

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 June 2014

Tuesday, 10 June 2014

Ceisteanna (200)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

200. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in a case (details supplied), if he will outline the State's response to this and other cases which are in process relating to persons who were abused as children in State-funded day schools; whether he will outline recent actions by the Chief State Solicitor's office in this regard and the steps now open to such persons in order to obtain justice and redress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24718/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

With the assistance of the Attorney General, I have sought further legal advice on the implications of the European Court of Human Rights judgment for outstanding school child abuse cases. The State Claims Agency is reviewing its day school abuse cases to identify those that come within the parameters of the judgement. Following the completion of this review and receipt of the legal advice sought I will be reporting back to Government on this matter and any decisions to be taken will be made in that context. Specifically in relation to Ms O'Keeffe, the damages and costs awarded by the European Court of Human Rights have been paid.