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Child Abuse Reports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2019

Wednesday, 16 October 2019

Ceisteanna (132)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

132. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of files relating to historical cases of child abuse being kept at the headquarters of an organisation (details supplied) that have been forwarded to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42511/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the information sought by the Deputy. I will write directly to the Deputy once I receive it.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No.132 which was for answer on 16 October 2019 in which the Deputy requested the number of files relating to historic cases of child abuse which are kept at Scouting Ireland’s Headquarters in Larch Hill that have been forwarded to An Garda Síochána.
The Deputy will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.
The Deputy will appreciate that under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána and, I as Minister, have no role in this matter.
However, I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána are currently conducting a number of criminal investigations into allegations of historical child sexual abuse within Scouting Ireland.
These investigations are being co-ordinated by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB), Special Crime Operations, Harcourt Square, Dublin 2. GNPSB is co-ordinating its response to this matter with TULSA, the Child and Family Agency, and has on-going liaison with the Safeguarding Officer at Scouting Ireland. To date a number of files have been received.
However, you will appreciate as these Garda investigations are ongoing, it is not possible to provide any information regarding the context or number of such files at this time.
I am sorry that I cannot provide further information at this time but I hope you will appreciate why this is the case in all the circumstances.
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