Results 2,541-2,560 of 7,359 for speaker:Katherine Zappone

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: I have requested that Scouting Ireland would provide me with the reports prior to a reconsideration of the full restoration of funding in 2019. I note your request on behalf of the committee, Chairman.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: The Deputy will have the opportunity to raise some of those questions with Scouting Ireland subsequent to my testimony. Based on the verbal information I have received, my understanding is that none of the alleged abusers is still working with Scouting Ireland. As Deputy Rabbitte is aware from what I said in the presentation, one of the reports Mr. Elliott was asked to do by the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: I thank Deputy Sherlock for his very heartfelt and helpful question. He is correct that it is devastating. As Minister, I find it extremely distressing to have received the information I have at present. I have been assured that none of the alleged abusers is currently still working with Scouting Ireland. I have also been told that reports have been made to Tusla and to the Garda in...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: I appreciate that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: There were 71 alleged abusers and 108 alleged victims. The figures are based on the work to date and numbers may change.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: The only information I have is that there are cases between the 1960s and the 1980s. I will be listening carefully to the next set of decisions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: I think the Senator has asked very helpful questions. People may come forward who need support and my understanding is that there are policies and procedures and supports for victims who come forward in the organisation. It is important to take a look at that again and to review it. As the Senator is aware, we have been very focused on the governance of the organisation. I asked Ms van...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: It is true that I too am shocked by the figures. As I said, I find it deeply distressing. I am also aware of the fact that some of the alleged victims could be listening to what we are discussing right now. I am deeply upset about that as I cannot imagine what they must be going through. I hope that the actions that my Department and I are taking and the actions of my colleagues are in...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: I will be writing a letter to the interim chairman today to seek an urgent meeting. On the funding issue, it needs to be considered. That is what I will say right now. One of the areas that I am particularly concerned about in light of the revelations is that the organisation is supported or resourced enough to provide support to alleged victims. On the question about how many of the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: I appreciate that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: The committee will receive that information from Mr. Elliot when members have the opportunity to ask him that question.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: I will answer that as best I can with the information I have. The use of the term "sample" may not be quite correct although I appreciate what the Deputy is saying. I understand there is a process happening and that these are the numbers that have surfaced so far. That is why I indicated it is based on the work to date and that the numbers may change.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: I cannot answer that question. I cannot say whether it is safe to assume that. What I do know is the numbers could change.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: That is correct.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: I thank the Senator for the question. We could assume it is public now.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: The Senator's question is excellent. I had the opportunity to speak with members of the organisation before coming into the committee room. They are fully aware of the implications of this. They have had procedures and practices in place in the past. They know they will possibly need to change to ensure that ultimately they have the capacity for supporting, listening and hearing the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: I do not have that level of detail. It is important to say that I have been told that reports have been made to Tusla and An Garda Síochána in respect of any of the alleged abusers who are still living. That has happened.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: I have not been provided with that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: I thank the Deputy for providing his testimony. As Deputy Rabbitte says, it is really important to put that into the conversation today and acknowledge it is happening. I am consoled to hear that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs: Governance Issues in Scouting Ireland: Discussion (21 Nov 2018)

Katherine Zappone: I thank the Senator. I wish to note two things. One is that it is really good to hear the Senator bearing witness to the testimony that she has heard in the context of what we are doing this morning. This also indicates the importance of the work the committee does. The fact that its members are public representatives and able to receive that information really helps this process to move...