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

The shocking abuse suffered by these brave young women while in foster care in the early 2000s has disrupted and deeply impacted their lives. I am conscious of the significant public interest in the case. The Deputy will be aware that the review process begun by the national review panel in 2016 was paused at the request of An Garda Síochána to allow criminal proceedings to conclude. Following the conclusion of the criminal case and sentencing of the perpetrator, the review was resumed and has now been completed.

I understand that the report is extensive. It contains detailed personal information regarding the cases examined. I am mindful of the vulnerability of the young people involved. Tusla must strike a balance between meeting the public interest through the publication of the review and protecting the well-being of the victims who were children in State care at the time. The well-being of the young people must be to the fore, and the process regarding the decision about publication must involve them. It is essential that they have an opportunity to understand the findings and to offer their views on next steps. The timing of this process will be determined by the needs of the young people.

Tusla has advised my officials that it is currently in the process of taking the necessary steps to consult the young people involved in the review. It is important that those most affected are given the time to give their views and prepare themselves before anything further is put into the public domain. However, I am most anxious that the matter of publication be settled at the earliest possible time, having regard to all the circumstances of this case. It is critically important that the facts from the review and the learning from it should be made public, subject to protecting the young people affected, as soon as possible. I will continue to engage with Tusla and will urge timely conclusion of the consultation process and revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.

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