Child Abuse

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Ceisteanna (553)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

553. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she is satisfied that the State’s current legal and administrative framework provides an effective remedy for survivors of historic child sexual abuse in primary and secondary schools; whether the Government has undertaken an assessment of the State’s obligations arising from the judgment of the European Court of Human in a case (details supplied) in the context of survivors who do not fall within existing redress schemes; whether any formal review has been carried out to determine if additional legislative or administrative measures are required to ensure compliance with Articles 3 and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14680/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

I can advise the Deputy that a range of measures have been put in place to implement the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgement in O’Keeffe v Ireland.

These measures include significant reforms of the legislative and administrative framework relating to child protection in schools and the implementation of an ex gratia scheme to provide compensation to individuals falling within the scope of the judgement.

In accordance with the process for monitoring the ECtHR judgements, the State provides regular updates to the Council of Europe regarding Ireland's implementation of the judgement. The latest Action Plan in relation to the implementation of the judgement is available on my Department's website: www.assets.gov.ie/static/documents/OKeeffe_v_Ireland_Action_Plan_30_July_2025.pdf

In addition, 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. The Chair of the commission was appointed effective from 1st October 2025 and is currently undertaking initial technical and preparatory work on the systems and processes required to support the work of the Commission.