Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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564. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to examine a recent RTÉ programme on two Christian Brothers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23381/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the recent programme referred to by the Deputy. The Government takes revelations of historical sexual abuse very seriously. It is important that religious orders, including the Christian Brothers, acknowledge the suffering and pain inflicted on survivors who were abused as children while in their care, and that they meet their obligations to those survivors.

The Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders recommended the establishment of a Commission of Investigation as its principal recommendation and this has been accepted by Government. The Report also made a number of further recommendations, and a high-level Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) was convened to examine those recommendations and to consider the terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.

The IDG has been tasked with advising on both the recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry and the terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation for my consideration, following which I intend to bring a Memorandum to Government with proposed next steps. It is anticipated that this will take place in the coming weeks.