Child Abuse

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021

Tuesday, 11 May 2021

Ceisteanna (466)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

466. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 170 of 21 January 2021 and 1014 of 21 April 2021, if as part the examination by her Department of the ex gratia scheme for compensation for school victims of child sexual abuse (details supplied) she will consider opening a compensation scheme for school victims of child sexual abuse who did not previously initiate legal proceedings against the State and although they were grievously hurt while in loco parentis care by the State they were not eligible for compensation under the ex gratia scheme as specified in the July 2015 scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24181/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

As you are aware, the ex gratia scheme was established on foot of the specific circumstances arising from and in response to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) relating to Louise O'Keeffe.

The Department undertook a review of the scheme in response to a determination by the Independent Assessor, Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill that one of the criteria for eligibility is incompatible with the ECtHR judgement.

The issues involved are highly sensitive and complex and require very careful deliberation before proposals can be finalised and brought to Government. It is important to have a more complete awareness of the extent of the problem, the number of people who could potentially be involved the legal implications of any course of action, and an accurate estimate of likely costs before introducing any modifications to the scheme.

Officials from my Department are closely engaged with officials from the Attorney General’s office to work through these complex matters. This work has now been significantly advanced, following some unavoidable delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A proposal for a revised scheme is now being finalised for legal advice in consultation with officials in the Attorney General’s office and following this, the proposal will be considered by Government.