Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019
1710. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an audit will be carried out by Tusla of the historic case files relating to child abuse held in the headquarters of an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36633/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleagues in Tusla, Child and Family Agency, inform me that there is no audit being undertaken by them of the historic case files relating to child abuse held in the headquarters of Scouting Ireland.
Tusla is following up on any cases of alleged historic child abuse which have been referred to them by Scouting Ireland and which require assessment. Tusla also has its own helpline where individuals can contact them with regard to alleged historic child abuse.
Tusla and An Garda Siochána have been working closely with Scouting Ireland to identify all historical abuse cases which require child protection assessment because of potential current risk to children and/or criminal investigation where crimes had not previously been reported.
There has been coordination between Tusla and the Garda Siochana throughout. Tusla is confident that this piece of joint work with the Garda Siochana has identified all of the victims of childhood abuse who have reported their abuse to Scouting Ireland and all of the named alleged abusers.
Tusla has also been assisting Scouting Ireland in reviewing its current child safeguarding practice and is confident that Scouting Ireland is making every effort towards ensuring the safety of children when they are in Scouting Ireland's care.
Tusla and Scouting Ireland have agreed to continue to liaise closely and to work together to maintain the highest child safeguarding standards within Scouting Ireland.
Tusla has no authority to audit Scouting Ireland files.
