Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 637: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to correspondence in 1996 between her Department and the Garda authorities relating to the investigation of concerns regarding possible abuse in a children's detention centre (details supplied); the date on which the correspondence was provided to the child abuse commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13022/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 616 dated 21 February, 2006 in which I confirmed that I was aware of the correspondence referred to. As I pointed out in that reply, there was substantial correspondence from the person concerned outlining a range of concerns and allegations regarding the centre in question and related matters.

On receipt of the correspondence in 1996, the matter was referred by my Department to the Gardaí for investigation. In addition to this investigation, the Gardaí, in conjunction with the Eastern Health Board, my Department and local management conducted a look-back investigation into allegations of abuse at the centre. Arising from this investigation, files were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding allegations of abuse at the centre. My Department provided every possible assistance to the Gardaí and made available all relevant records in this regard.

In addition, I again confirm that relevant documentation held by my Department in relation to the sexual, physical and emotional abuse or neglect of children in industrial and reformatory schools, including the centre referred to by the Deputy, was forwarded to the Commission to enquire into Child Abuse in compliance with a Discovery Order from the Commission in June, 2003.