Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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44. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the discussions she has had with an organisation (details supplied); if she has received a copy of the Elliott report; and her plans to ensure good governance and probity within the organisation. [18783/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I met with Scouting Ireland on Thursday 19 April to provide the organisation with an opportunity to clarify the revelations highlighted in the media coverage which have raises reputational questions for the organisation.

I was informed at that meeting of the organisation’s plans to reform the governance of the organisation and to put new structures in place.  Scouting Ireland also confirmed their commitment to implement the recommendations in relation to safeguarding and to carry out a full review of historic cases.  The Garda vetting of the individual referred to in recent media reports is in progress.   The leadership of Scouting Ireland informed me that the organisation was involved in a governance process and reforms in the way they do their work in particular at board level. These reforms will be discussed at a special meeting of the membership in June and October.

Scouting Ireland commissioned Mr Ian Elliott to carry out a review into the organisation’s handling of an allegation of a serious sexual assault on an adult volunteer by another adult volunteer.  While this alleged assault took place in 2009 it was only reported within the organisation in 2016.  Mr Elliott's report into this case resulted in Scouting Ireland engaging a barrister to conduct a full investigation into this allegation, particularly with regard to the handling of the matter by certain senior volunteers.  I will be receiving both reports be submitted to me once this investigation is completed.

There are a number of steps to be taken before I can be assured that Scouting Ireland has the proper governance arrangements in place which will allow me to restore funding.

I have asked Jillian van Turnhout, as an independent expert, to examine the situation over the coming weeks. In accordance with her Terms of Reference she is being asked to provide me with a clear assessment of Scouting Ireland's governance arrangements and to advise me on whether I can be assured about Scouting Ireland's governance and related matters.  This will be an important factor for me in determining whether I can resume funding of the organisation.