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

Like all in this House, I share the great concern of parents about safeguarding issues in Scouting Ireland. As Minister responsible for the safety, protection and care of children and young people, I have given the highest priority to the very serious concerns raised in 2018 about scouting. This has included face-to-face engagement with the leadership of the organisation to set out my concerns in person.

With this in mind I wish to inform Members and, most importantly, parents throughout the country about information of which I have become aware in recent hours. In recent days Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has written to Scouting Ireland highlighting serious concerns about that organisation. I intend to put that letter into the public domain today both through my Department’s website and by circulation to all Members of this House. In the letter, Tusla outlines issues about the implementation of Children First within Scouting Ireland. I wish to inform parents and Deputies immediately of eight recommendations which the child safety and protection experts of Tusla has made to the chief executive of Scouting Ireland.

First, it is imperative that a proposed meeting between Scouting Ireland board of management is progressed without delay. Second, the actions of key personnel holding a role in safeguarding within Scouting Ireland may have been comprised and further consideration may have to be given to this. Consideration should be given to nominating the CEO of Scouting Ireland to be the principal liaison in work on Children First. A sub-committee should be put in place to review the child safeguarding statement and procedures throughout the organisation. An urgent review of the manner in which Scouting Ireland manages current child protection concerns and disclosures from children should commence. There should be an immediate review of the supervision of children involved in scouting. Scouting Ireland should consider the viability of continuing with overnight trips. Consideration should be given to ensure the personnel manning the helpline are independent of Scouting Ireland.

I have placed these recommendations in the public domain because I believe that parents have a right to know the views those who are charged with protecting and safeguarding our children and who work with no other agenda. As I stated these concerns have only come to light. They require urgent consideration and, with this in mind, I will be meeting the chief social worker in my Department to consider what further actions may be required.

I know that all in this Chamber, including the Deputies who tabled this Topical Issue question, share my view that we must never compromise on the issue of child safety and protection. Children must at all times come first whatever the implications for any club, body or organisation. I will be in further communication with Members in the coming hours. There are serious concerns about the issues raised within scouting. I am fully aware of this and, as a result, I have placed this as a top priority for me and have been fully engaged with the issues involved. Most recently I met representatives of Scouting Ireland on 28 January to be updated on the independent barrister’s report into issues surrounding an allegation of sexual assault by an adult volunteer against another adult volunteer. My officials met Scouting Ireland on 7 February to discuss the detail and actions taken on the latest available figures on the allegations of abuse.

I will conclude given that some of my statement which was circulated to Deputies was covered by Deputy Sherlock. Today we send a unified message as public representatives to those who suffered abuse and who continue to suffer in silence that help and support are available. To those victims I say that they should contact Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, or An Garda Síochána.

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