Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
103. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether the Interdepartmental Group established to examine historic child sexual abuse in primary and secondary schools has completed its work; whether its report has been furnished to Government; and whether a decision has been taken regarding the establishment of a redress scheme for affected survivors. [14639/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders was published in 2024. The principal recommendation of the Report, for the establishment of a Commission of Investigation, was accepted by Government and Mr Justice Michael MacGrath was appointed as the Chair of the Commission with effect from 1 October 2025.
This week, I announced the appointment of the remaining Commissioners, Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring, senior legal consultant Mr Roddy Bourke, and child safeguarding experts Mr Kieran McGrath and Ms Michele Clarke, to join Mr Justice MacGrath in addressing the deeply painful legacy of historical child sexual abuse in Irish day and boarding schools. The combined expertise of these eminently qualified individuals will be critical in underpinning the independence and effectiveness of the Commission.
The Scoping Inquiry’s report also recognised the significance of the issue of redress for survivors and their expressed wish that those running schools where child sexual abuse occurred should be held accountable financially, and it recommended that consideration be given by the Government to establishing a redress scheme for survivors.
The report of the Inter-Departmental Group (IDG), established to advise Government on the recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry, was considered by Government and published on 8th July 2025. The IDG recognised that consideration of a redress scheme may have far-reaching implications and advised that further work needed to be undertaken to ensure that the Government is fully informed in any decision it may take.
Government accepted this advice and the IDG has commenced this further work to examine the mechanisms that may be brought to bear to ensure that those responsible for schools where historical sexual abuse happened meet their obligations to survivors. The IDG aims to complete its work within 18 months and will make a report to the Minister, based on which Government will give consideration to establishing a redress scheme.
This will not impede the progress of the Commission of Investigation, which will continue with its work in parallel. The Commission does not have a role in relation to redress.
