Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders was announced on March 7^th 2023. The Scoping Inquiry is independently led by Ms Mary O’Toole SC.

The Scoping Inquiry was initially requested to report to the Minister by November 7^th 2023. The Lead of the Scoping Inquiry requested an extension to the deadline for the submission of the report and explained the reasons why additional time was needed. In view of the reasons outlined, I acceded to the request. These included the need for additional time to consider the significant volume of information provided by individual survivors in the Scoping Inquiry’s two-stage, trauma-informed survivor engagement process, along with other information that is being gathered across the Scoping Inquiry’s workstreams as set out in its Terms of Reference. This includes substantial engagement with religious orders, An Garda Síochána, a number of Government Departments and Tusla. The Scoping Inquiry has also commissioned expert reports on child protection systems and frameworks, and on restorative justice. In addition, it is engaged in research on previous inquiries and their impact on survivors and their families.

The Scoping Inquiry is independent and its work is ongoing. It is now due to report by June 7^th 2024. The Scoping Inquiry team has assured me that it is committed to providing a fully rounded and extensive report under its Terms of Reference.

I am looking forward to receiving the report and, conscious of the trauma that has been suffered by all survivors of abuse, I will give it my fullest consideration before bringing it to Government for a decision on next steps in due course.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders was announced on March 7^th 2023. The Scoping Inquiry is independently led by Ms Mary O’Toole SC. It is due to report to me by June 7^th 2024.

The Scoping Inquiry is independent and its work is ongoing. A central element of the Scoping Inquiry is a trauma-informed survivor engagement process, led by child protection expert, Kieran McGrath. The purpose of the Scoping Inquiry’s engagement with survivors is to hear from those who experienced historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders about their experiences and their preferences for the Government’s response. The report of the Scoping Inquiry will have particular regard to the outcome of the survivor engagement process.

On receipt of the report of the Scoping Inquiry, it is my intention to give the report and its recommendations detailed consideration before bringing it to Government in due course, at which point decisions relating to next steps will be made.

I am deeply cognisant of the trauma that has been suffered by all survivors of abuse and I am hugely grateful to those who have come forward to participate in the Scoping Inquiry. Their participation is key to ensuring that the wishes of survivors in relation to a Government response can be taken into consideration and I commend the courage that they have shown in doing so.