Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Sherlock for his very heartfelt and helpful question. He is correct that it is devastating. As Minister, I find it extremely distressing to have received the information I have at present. I have been assured that none of the alleged abusers is currently still working with Scouting Ireland. I have also been told that reports have been made to Tusla and to the Garda in respect of the alleged abusers who are still living. I will be listening carefully to the Scouting Ireland testimony that the committee will receive this morning. I will engage with the Chair as a matter of urgency.

I will examine where we are right now in terms of the funding decisions that I have already made. I also acknowledge the extraordinary work that does go on within the organisation, which I have seen at first hand throughout the country. I want to assure people that I will continue to support that work and the work involved in supporting the children and young people and also the volunteers given how important that is. At the same time, we have been given this information and also other information. I am waiting still for a couple of outstanding reports. My officials and I are working closely with Scouting Ireland. We are monitoring the situation and trying to understand it and looking for the best way to proceed in this regard. The funding has not been fully restored in the same way that it has been before, so this is happening in the context of that decision.