Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy again for raising this important issue. On Monday, I had a chance to listen to the radio documentary. It was very compelling. I pay tribute to the bravery of all those who participated in it. If people do not tell their stories, then it is very hard for us to take actions against people who carry out abuse and prevent it from happening in future. I recognise their bravery in coming forward and participating in that documentary.

This is a matter that the Government is very concerned about. The cruelty and pervasive nature of the allegations is truly shocking. In the first instance, my thoughts are with the survivors who have bravely told us their stories. Parents must be able to send their children to school in the knowledge that they are not only receiving the best education they can but that they are also in a safe environment. This is true for the vast majority of schools in our State. I understand that a restorative justice process has now been put in place by the Spiritans, which is very welcome. A debate on these issues is scheduled for next week.

As the Taoiseach said earlier, the Government is going to give this matter further consideration, particularly regarding the most effective way to have a victim-led inquiry to allow us to unearth what happened at Blackrock College and other Spiritan schools, specifically who knew what and how they acted, if at all. We just do not know yet the best form of inquiry or what form of inquiry should take place. We are very conscious of the length of time that some inquiries take. We wish to ensure this is undertaken in the right way. This is extremely important for the survivors.

I again encourage anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse, in school or elsewhere, to contact the Garda. The Garda has extensive powers of investigation. It can carry out arrests, interview people and seize documents and devices. This can lead to prosecutions and perpetrators being punished. In many ways, this is much more powerful than many other forms of inquiry.

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