Child Abuse

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2015

Tuesday, 10 February 2015

Ceisteanna (535)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

535. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills , in view of the Government's decision before Christmas 2014 to offer a settlement to those who were abused in school (details supplied), if she will provide information on the exact number of the 135 claims that were formally discontinued, as she referred to them, through the State Claims Agency; the number of the 135 cases, following examination by the State Claims Agency, that will be eligible for settlement; if the information is not available, the length of time it will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5953/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

When announcing details of the Government decision to seek to settle certain claims of school child sexual abuse that came within the parameters of the European Court of Human Rights judgment, I noted that there was also a group of school child sexual abuse cases which had not been progressed for a number of reasons, including those which might have been discontinued after receiving letters from the State Claims Agency. The Agency has been reviewing these cases to clarify the exact position and whether they had been formally discontinued or not. I expect to be in a position to report to Government on this matter shortly at which time the Government will consider whether any measures will be taken in relation to these cases.