Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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691. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will respond to concerns raised by person (details supplied) in relation to the scope of enquiry into historical sexual abuse in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13083/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, on 7 March 2023 the Government approved the establishment of a scoping inquiry to inform the government response to revelations of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders.

The scoping inquiry was established in response to recent revelations of historical sexual abuse in a number of day and boarding schools run by religious orders. While these revelations initially focused on the Spiritan Order, revelations and allegations in respect of schools run by other religious orders have since come to light. Having regard to this and the importance of meeting the challenging timeframe which I have set the scoping inquiry, schools run by religious orders will be its priority focus.

It is not the role of the scoping inquiry to make findings of fact in respect of individual religious orders or schools. The scoping inquiry will also not be investigating individual allegations of abuse. Instead, the Lead of the scoping inquiry will, having regard to the outcomes sought by survivors, make recommendations to the Minister on the scope and breath of the Government response to revelations of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders. The Deputy may wish to note in this regard that it is envisaged the recommended response could also form a template for Government responses in respect of other settings.

The Deputy may also wish to note that elements of the scoping inquiry will focus more broadly on the school sector as a whole, including an analysis of current child protection systems and frameworks within the primary and post-primary sector.