Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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319. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the schemes currently in place for survivors of sexual abuse at Christian Brothers schools; to provide details separate to any schemes for industrial schools; the supports in place for survivors of this horrific abuse; the supports in place for those who wish to pursue a legal case but are faced with the situation that there is no one legal entity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50244/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that a Commission of Investigation has been established by the Government to investigate the handling of historical child sexual abuse in all day and boarding schools, including schools run by the Christian Brothers. The Commission is independent in its operation and, when it is ready to begin its engagement with survivors of child sexual abuse in schools, this will be widely advertised.

The terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation require that it will strive to be as survivor-centred as possible, consistent with fair procedures, and will promote support for survivors at all key stages of the process, a trauma-informed approach to working with those who have experienced child sexual abuse, including emotional and psychological support, and take practical steps to mitigate risks of retraumatisation, in consultation with survivors and relevant expert advice.

The Inter Departmental Group (IDG) established to advise Government on the recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry has advised that further work needs to be undertaken on any potential redress scheme that may be established in the future. This work will continue in parallel with the establishment of the Commission, which does not have a role in relation to redress.

This further work will include detailed examination of a range of issues, including the status of unincorporated associations, which can make it challenging for survivors of historical child sexual abuse pursue a legal case.