Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government and all appropriate State agencies will make every effort to ensure this issue will be fully investigated and that all victims can come forward in a timely and appropriate manner. I acknowledge the new board of Scouting Ireland and the review of the governance of that body which was carried out in May. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, appointed Ms Jillian van Turnhout as an independent expert to examine the governance structures in Scouting Ireland and related issues. Ms van Turnhout submitted her final report on 14 June. The board confirmed its decision to implement fully all of the recommendations made related to governance.

It was on that basis that the Minister, Deputy Zappone, sanctioned funding for an interim period of three months until the end of September, at the end of which the then board voted to reinstate the chief scout as chairperson. This was done, notwithstanding the fact that the chief scout was a respondent in an ongoing independent barrister's investigation. This, of course, was unacceptable to the Government. I welcome the appointment of the new board. We must ensure every effort is made to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion for the victims involved and that there is due process in the context of any investigation, including Garda investigations. My Department will assist other Departments and State agencies, as appropriate.

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