Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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163. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if, in light of the findings of the recent review into child sexual abuse within an organisation (details supplied), there are plans to establish a statutory inquiry into the handling of abuse allegations and the organisation’s response over the years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7741/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department continues to engage with St John Ambulance Ireland in terms of ongoing developments and compliance with the implementation of the recommendations in Dr. Geoffrey Shannon’s Review, published in March 2023.

As Minister for Children, I am clear that all recommendations in the Shannon report should be complied with as soon as practicable by the organisation.

A key recommendation of Dr. Shannon’s Report was for the appointment of a National Safeguarding Officer to St. John Ambulance Ireland. My Department has provided funding for a 12-month period to ensure that all of Dr. Shannon’s recommendations, including safeguarding, are implemented in full.

The National Safeguarding Officer is ensuring that the organisation is fully compliant with the safeguarding regime in operation. The Officer is ensuring that an extra layer of oversight and governance is present which in turn strengthens the efficacy of the organisation’s safeguarding processes.

It should also be noted that this work includes an audit of safeguarding procedures in all of the organisation’s 22 branches around the country. The Officer is also able to liaise with Tusla and An Garda Siochána for any complaints regarding the safety of children.

The funding provided by my Department in respect of the National Safeguarding Officer and the associated works stream, should leave St. John Ambulance Ireland as a functioning independent and frequently audited organisation with clear systems for ensuring the safeguarding of children are in place including compliance with Children First guidelines and its child safeguarding statement.

My officials continue to meet with St. John Ambulance Ireland and the Safeguarding Officer to discuss progress to date. I am satisfied that progress is being made, and I have no plans to establish a statutory inquiry.