Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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174. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline, given recent reports of historical sexual abuse in primary and secondary schools, what course of action can be taken by victims of sexual abuse at a school (details supplied) in seeking redress; the scheme and or process currently open to them; the way victims should go about applying for inclusion; if, in the event that there is no current redress scheme covering these cases, these victims will be included in the new scheme which she is alleged to be preparing, as mentioned recently in media; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37534/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I am deeply conscious of the enormous trauma suffered by those who have experienced child sexual abuse and I have been shocked at the appalling revelations of widespread allegations of sexual abuse in the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders.

The Scoping Inquiry submitted its report on 7 June 2024. Following consultation with the Attorney General, and consideration of the contents of the detailed Report, I sought Government approval to publish the Report on 3 September 2024. The Government also accepted the primary recommendation of the Report, which was to establish a Commission of Investigation.

I have appointed a high-level inter-departmental group (IDG) to consider the terms of reference for the Commission, and to examine the further recommendations of the Report in detail. These include a recommendation that consideration be given to the establishment of a redress scheme, and that the religious orders involved should be consulted in relation to contributing to any such scheme.

As the Deputy will appreciate, this is a complex matter and the IDG will consider and report back on all aspects of these recommendations. I intend to bring further proposals to Government relating to the Commission of Investigation and the other recommendations of the Report in due course.

Anyone with information relating to sexual abuse may wish to report it to An Garda Síochána by calling 1800 555 222 which is a dedicated line for reports of child sexual abuse, or by calling into any Garda station.

There are a number of organisations that can provide support and advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse. In particular, One in Four helps adults who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and they can be contacted by phone at +353 1 662 4070, by email at info@oneinfour.ie or via their website at