Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this most important matter, notwithstanding the fact that it was the subject of a discussion at a Oireachtas joint committee as recently as yesterday. Like all Members of the House, I am appalled by the allegations of historical abuse that have emerged at Scouting Ireland. As my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, said, Scouting Ireland informed her office late on Tuesday that, as part of a review being carried out by Mr. Ian Elliott, evidence had been found of 71 alleged abusers and 108 alleged victims to date. Scouting Ireland has advised that most of the cases relate to the period between the 1960s and the 1980s. It has advised that some of the alleged victims and abusers became known to it separate from the examination of historical files. Several victims have come forward recently, as the Deputy acknowledged. The Minister has further been advised that none of the alleged abusers is still working with Scouting Ireland. It has been confirmed that reports have been made to Tusla, An Garda Síochána and other police forces in jurisdictions in which many of the alleged abusers are in residence. I acknowledge that in recent times the Minister reinstated funding for Scouting Ireland for a period of six months, until April next year. Like her, other Ministers and I are extremely concerned about the very high number of alleged cases of abuse. In that regard, the Minister is seeking additional information from Scouting Ireland. Funding has been restored on an interim basis only and the matter remains under examination.

Every support will be made available to the victims to ensure they can and will come forward and that they will be assisted in that pursuit. The appropriate authorities will engage in the necessary investigative work.

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