Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
473. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if she will act immediately when the scoping inquiry into abuse in schools run by religious orders is provided to her in June 2024, given this timeline is already delayed and given survivors involved in the process need to see immediate action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12482/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders was announced on March 7th 2023. The Scoping Inquiry is independently led by Ms Mary O’Toole SC.
The Scoping Inquiry was initially requested to report to the Minister by November 7th 2023. The Lead of the Scoping Inquiry requested an extension to the deadline for the submission of the report and explained the reasons why additional time was needed. In view of the reasons outlined, I acceded to the request. These included the need for additional time to consider the significant volume of information provided by individual survivors in the Scoping Inquiry’s two-stage, trauma-informed survivor engagement process, along with other information that is being gathered across the Scoping Inquiry’s workstreams as set out in its Terms of Reference. This includes substantial engagement with religious orders, An Garda Síochána, a number of Government Departments and Tusla. The Scoping Inquiry has also commissioned expert reports on child protection systems and frameworks, and on restorative justice. In addition, it is engaged in research on previous inquiries and their impact on survivors and their families.
The Scoping Inquiry is independent and its work is ongoing. It is now due to report by June 7th 2024. The Scoping Inquiry team has assured me that it is committed to providing a fully rounded and extensive report under its Terms of Reference.
I am looking forward to receiving the report and, conscious of the trauma that has been suffered by all survivors of abuse, I will give it my fullest consideration before bringing it to Government for a decision on next steps in due course.
