Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael)

I move:

That Seanad Éireann: – having regard to the conclusions and recommendations of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders, published on 3rd September, 2024;

– noting that it is the opinion of the Government that these matters of significant public concern require, in the public interest, examination by the establishment of a Commission of Investigation;

– noting that the Minister for Education and Youth has led the Government's consideration of these sensitive matters;

– noting the factual information compiled and the specific matters identified for further consideration in the Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on the Recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders, which has assisted in informing Government considerations on the scope, format and terms of reference for a Commission of Investigation; and

– further noting that a draft Order proposed to be made by the Government under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 (No. 23 of 2004) has been duly laid before Seanad Éireann on 9th July, 2025 in respect of the foregoing matters referred to, together with a statement of reasons for establishing a Commission under that Act; approves the draft Commission of Investigation (Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools) Order, 2025 and the statement of reasons for establishing a Commission of Investigation.