Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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 Lead of the scoping inquiry will, having regard to the outcomes sought by survivors, make recommendations on the scope and breath of the response that could also form a template for Government responses elsewhere.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The abuse of children in any setting is a heinous crime and every effort should be made to bring the perpetrator to justice through the courts system.

All reports of alleged abuse should be reported to the Gardaí.

My Department takes child protection very seriously and considers that the protection and welfare of children is a fundamental responsibility of all involved in the care and education of children.

In this regard, any concern or allegation of a child protection nature received by staff in my Department is dealt with in accordance with the Department’s Procedures for responding to Child Protection Concerns which come to the attention of staff employed by the Department of Education.

My Department does not make any judgment on the concerns which comes to its attention and ensures that the details of the concern reported to the Department, including reports which relate to alleged historical abuse, are immediately passed on to the relevant authorities, i.e. Tusla-the Child and Family Agency, An Garda Síochána and/or the school authorities as appropriate.

It is important to note that arrangements for child protection in schools have been extensively revised and extended.

The enactment of the Children First Act in 2015 led to the issue of revised Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-primary Schools in 2017, with an extensive programme of professional development for teachers and school leaders. A fundamental principle of the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2017is that all schools must keep pupils/students safe from harm while attending the school or while participating in school activities.

My Department plays an important role in the oversight of the child protection procedures for schools.

The Inspectorate of my Department carries out a range of inspections in all recognised schools. Schools are selected for inclusion in the broader inspection programme using a range of factors and information.

Although the Inspectorate has no role in the investigation of individual complaints about schools, all correspondence is noted and it may, together with a range of other information, be considered by the Inspectorate in planning its inspection programme.

The Inspectorate does not comment on its future planned inspection programme.

As part of the State's response to individuals experiencing distress as a result of childhood sexual abuse, a free National Counselling Service was set up which is run by the HSE and has been operating since 2000. Full details are available on:

www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/national-counselling-service/

Tusla provides support to victims of abuse through its own child protection and welfare services for children who require safety planning or are in the care of the Child and Family Agency.

My Department has record of one retrospective alleged child protection concern received in 2003 in respect of the school in question but it is not possible to confirm if it relates to the 1968-1988 period.