Mr. Pat Smyth:

Actions were agreed at the meeting last Thursday in respect of addressing the concerns raised and on how this matter was to be progressed between Scouting Ireland and Tusla. Tusla and Scouting Ireland's board of directors are to meet. Tusla will make a presentation on the Children First legislation and safeguarding at the next meeting. I understand that is scheduled for April. Scouting Ireland is recruiting a safeguarding manager to be directly managed by the CEO. The safeguarding manager role will date from 14 March, that is, this week, and he or she will be the liaison person with Tusla. Scouting Ireland will share its updated implementation plan with Tusla regarding implementation of a range of items in respect of Children First.

This strategy will include mechanisms to review the implementation of Scouting Ireland's child safeguarding statement, the updating of policies and procedures and supporting the subsequent implementation of these measures throughout the organisation. The strategy will also include mechanisms for monitoring and quality assuring safeguarding policies and procedures in place and the implementation of those aspects. Scouting Ireland will meet with Tusla and An Garda Síochána to discuss the management of the allegations regarding the samples that were outlined and referred to in the letter of 18 February. Scouting Ireland will review its safeguarding risk assessment and the relevant procedures, particularly its code of behaviour regarding overnight trips and jamborees in collaboration with Tusla. Scouting Ireland also agreed to the independent evaluation of its helpline and it will draw learning from this. It will apply the same approach to current and future policies, procedures and practice relevant to the helpline.