Mr. Jim Gibson:

There is a difference of view with Scouting Ireland and Tusla in respect of the working of the helpline. We have come to an agreement that we will get an independent evaluation of that and be guided by the independent evaluation going forward. That addresses the issue, here and now. In fairness, we acknowledge Scouting Ireland's work in putting in place arrangements to deal with historical and retrospective cases and trying to facilitate past members of the scouting movement to be looked after.

In our meeting last week, the CEO outlined how Scouting Ireland feels it is best placed to deal with that. It feels a commitment to that but it also feels that it has a knowledge of where scouting movements existed and how it could quickly identify areas, etc. We would have a concern that independence is possibly needed because someone who has had an experience of historical abuse may need to have someone independent to talk to more freely. We came to a place of understanding and agreement that we will have an independent review. I have asked Scouting Ireland also-----