Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Glacaim leis go bhfuil an tAire ag tógáil na ceiste seo. Tá mé buíoch go bhfuil sé anseo.

About two months ago, we heard about a scandal relating to a former head of a summer college who also worked in other capacities where he had access to young people. The man has since passed away. Apparently, serious allegations were made to various State agencies and arms of the State over the past 40 to 50 years. The earliest allegation made against the individual dates back to 1955. The individual worked with a number of different State organisations, the VEC is one of them, and other organisations who received funding from State funded systems. The Minister for Justice and Equality has taken the matter seriously. He has called for three internal inquiries to be conducted by the HSE, the Department of Education and Skills and his Department, respectively. He also wants the Garda Síochána to internally investigate the allegations made about the individual and actions taken.

A certain amount of time has elapsed so I shall ask the Minister the following questions. What engagement has taken place with the three agencies regarding internal investigations? What timescale is envisaged?

We have let some time pass before asking the question of what engagement there has been with those three agencies regarding the internal investigations, the timescale envisaged and how far back the organisations will look, taking into account that some of the allegations date back to 1955 and that there were court cases pending that were never fully heard. We are also aware another settlement was made outside of court and different organisations were involved. Quite a large number of victims have come forward to the media in this case, some publicly and some anonymously, but I know of at least 11 people who are claiming to have been abused by this individual. That abuse seems to have been widespread judging by reports.

The terms of reference for the investigation are important, with questions over who will investigate and what manner of investigation will be carried out. Will there simply be a review of the files held by the organisations or will it cover all correspondence and look back at any payments that might have been made to any of the individuals who have claimed that they were abused by this man?

This is a serious issue. I am in contact with a couple of the individuals who were abused and they are distraught. They want to get some sort of closure and answers about how a man who was apparently abusing children since 1955 was allowed to continue in positions of power and authority, and continued abusing until very recently. I look forward to the Minister's response.