Jen Cummins
Ceist:496. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth for a timeline for the commission of investigation into sexual abuse. [72277/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 16 December 2025
Ceisteanna (496)
Freagraí scríofa
The establishment of a Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools was approved by Government in July 2025. Mr. Justice Michael MacGrath was appointed as Chair of the Commission, effective from 1 October 2025.
Under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2024, the Commission is independent in the performance of its functions and it is a matter for the Commission to determine the approach it will take to investigating the handing of historic child sexual abuse in schools within its terms of reference. The Commission will have a five-year timeframe in which to complete its investigation and furnish a report to the Minister for Education and Youth.
The Commission is now in its establishment phase and is currently undertaking essential preparatory work. When it is ready to hear from those who may wish to provide it with information, this will be widely advertised.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Chair of the Commission has recently published the following update: www.gov.ie/en/commission-of-investigation-into-the-handling-of-historical-child-sexual-abuse-in-schools/publications/commission-of-investigation-into-the-handling-of-historical-child-sexual-abuse-in-schools/#an-update-from-the-chair-of-the-commission-mr-justice-michael-macgrath-4-december-2025.