2026-02-12

94. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the work of the inter-departmental group considering the recommendation for a redress scheme arising from the scoping inquiry into historical sexual abuse in schools run by religious orders; the way in which this will be incorporated into the work of the Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11342/26]

Likewise, as this is my first exchange with the Minister in her new role, I wish her the best with it. There is a lot of work to be getting on with and we are dealing with many important issues this morning. I wish to ask the Minister the position regarding the work of the interdepartmental group considering the recommendation for a redress scheme arising from the scoping inquiry into historical sex abuse in schools run by religious orders, and the way in which this will be incorporated into the work of the Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Schools.

I thank the Deputy. The report of the scoping inquiry into historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders was published in 2024. The Government takes revelations of historical sexual abuse in schools extremely seriously and has established an independent commission of investigation, chaired by Mr. Justice Michael MacGrath, to investigate the handling of complaints and allegations of historical sexual abuse in schools. The commission was the principal recommendation of the report of the scoping inquiry and the commission does not have a role in relation to redress. The scoping inquiry’s report also recognised the significance of redress for survivors, many of whom told the scoping inquiry’s survivor engagement process they viewed it as a measure of accountability for those running schools where child sexual abuse occurred. The scoping inquiry recommended consideration be given by the Government to establishing a redress scheme and that it consult with the orders on contributions to any such scheme. The interdepartmental group, IDG, established to advise Government on the scoping inquiry recommendations was cognisant of the views of survivors on redress as a measure of accountability. It recognised that consideration of a redress scheme may have far-reaching implications and advised further work is required to ensure Government is fully informed in any decision it may take. The interdepartmental group has commenced this work to further examine the levers and mechanisms that may be brought to bear so that those responsible for schools where historical sexual abuse happened meet their obligations to survivors. The work of that group will not impede the progress of the commission of investigation, which has begun its work in parallel.

Can the Minister confirm it is the case that the IDG aims to report to her and subsequently to Government within 18 months? There was a previous indication in relation to that, but is that still that case? What measures will the Minister take to hold religious bodies financially accountable and to make them pay redress? Sinn Féin submitted amendments to the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2025 specifically on this issue. I know the Labour Party also has legislation on the books, with the Civil Liability (Child Sexual Abuse Proceedings Against Unincorporated Bodies of Persons) Bill 2023. There is a real eagerness among many of us in the Opposition to see this issue pursued. Many survivors say the legal obfuscation in redress payments is inherently criminal in its nature and that there may be opportunity there, for example, in terms of criminal assets to pursue these. What options will the Minister consider, and can she give assurances there will be justice in this scheme?

As regards how long it will take that interdepartmental group to report, the work of that group is very complex and involves several Departments, State agencies and relevant expertise. The work of that IDG is entirely separate from the work of the commission, which does not have a role in redress. That group aims to complete its work within 18 months. When that interdepartmental group has completed its work, it will provide a report to me and then subsequently to Government. Many of the survivors who spoke to that scoping inquiry view financial redress as an important measure of accountability for those who ran schools where sexual abuse happened. The State has some experience in dealing with the religious orders in the context of redress, and it is important we learn from that experience, particularly given the potential scale of redress for historical sexual abuse in schools. Clarity on that scale is critical and all mechanisms that can be used by the State to secure the appropriate funding from those who were responsible for child sexual abuse in schools will be carefully examined. It is important to ensure there is financial accountability for those who were responsible for child sexual abuse in schools, particularly as so many of those who are alleged to have abused children are now deceased and will not face criminal charges.

I agree with the Minister entirely and I welcome those words. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating, in terms of the action of it. Any time we speak of the commission, I have to make the point that there are concerns it is going to be restricted to sexual abuse and not to physical abuse. There is more than a grey area there in terms of the motivational intent of the evil carried out on people. I want to pick up on a point Deputy Cummins made earlier in respect of a related group of survivors. It is very important that the suite of measures is introduced at the earliest opportunity and that we have the apology. Deputy Cummins specifically mentioned the enhanced medical card as opposed to the HAA card. There are significant issues with the enhanced medical card as certain things that were expected to be covered are not being covered. It is why there is the argument around the HAA card. If Government is going to fall short of that, it is essential it reviews the enhanced medical card and ensures those additional supports it has committed to are delivered in a timely fashion.

I outlined the process for this to Deputy Cummins. Work is ongoing in my Department on that issue of the supports agreed by the survivors with an Taoiseach prior to Christmas. The Deputy made reference to two different issues there. Regarding the commission of investigation, Mr. Justice Michael MacGrath was appointed effective from 1 October 2025 as chair of that commission. It is independent in its function and the chair has outlined an essential preparatory work phase which must be completed by the commission prior to engagement with survivors and others, and updates will be given online relating to that. Mr. Justice Michael MacGrath is working on developing the necessary systems and processes to safely gather and store data and information. This is particularly important given the deeply sensitive and personal nature of the information that may be shared with the commission. It also includes work to ensure that the commission has the appropriate premises to ensure that it is as safe and welcoming an environment for survivors as possible and that the necessary supports are in place for those survivors.