Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this extremely important matter. We are all aware of the need to respect the voice of survivors and respond to the suffering and abuse that many have endured.

I know the Deputy has been raising this issue for some time and I know the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, is very aware of its importance. His Department is working to make a difference to it.

On the particular point the Deputy put to me regarding the role of a child protection officer, the reason the role will be provided and funded by the Department of the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, is we believe it is an important element in securing the continued safety of those working in that organisation or using its services. This will play an important role in safeguarding young people in the organisation. The Minister and Government believe it is an intervention we have to make and have to make quickly. It would also put in place an accountability relationship between the Department and St. John Ambulance through a service level agreement to give confidence the office is being used in the way we want.

To respond to the Deputy's question directly, it is because we believe it is the kind of change needed to help the Government and those involved in running St. John Ambulance to better protect and ensure the safety of young people in the organisation.

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