Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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322. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35704/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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In the first instance, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any individual case.

As regards the broader issues raised by this case, my Department worked with the governing Board of this organisation to progress a number of important actions in response to findings of poor safeguarding policies and practice in the organisation. These actions included:

- a governance and safeguarding review conducted by former Senator Jillian Van Turnhout completed in 2018;

- a follow up report on the progress following that review conducted by Brigid McManus, former Secretary General, completed in 2020;

- the introduction of an ongoing requirement for regular updates on governance and safeguarding reforms.

- the organisation also engaged Ian Elliott, a child protection expert, to carry out a learning review into historical sexual abuse, which was published in May 2020.

- an audit carried out by Mr Elliott in February of this year noted the ‘positive and impressive’ progress made by the organisation.

It is worth noting that the organisation has adopted revised safeguarding policies in consultation with Tusla. Tusla has expressed its satisfaction with progress made in relation to safeguarding, and relevant training is being provided throughout the organisation. On the basis of this positive feedback from independent governance and safeguarding experts and Tusla, and my Department’s ongoing engagement, I am satisfied with the progress and structures now in place. Safeguarding is now a strong focus and priority for the organisation.