Statement by the Tánaiste on the Report of the Scoping Inquiry

I would like to thank Mary O’Toole SC and Kieran McGrath for all their work in producing the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders.

I also commend the immense courage of all the survivors who came forward to tell the harrowing stories of sexual abuse contained in this report.

The level and scale of the horrific abuse within schools revealed in the report’s pages is shocking, and there must be full accountability and justice for those abused.

I commend Minister Norma Foley for her thorough and survivor-led approach in producing this Scoping Inquiry as she works to establish a Commission of Investigation to further examine the historic sexual abuse.

Much more work needs to be done and I know the Minister will continue to work on the recommendations of the report in consultation with survivors.

Over many decades, there has been significant work to deal with the abuse suffered in a wide range of institutions.

This report reveals the severe impact of sexual abuse on the lives of survivors. It is vital the needs of these survivors remain at the heart of our response.

ENDS

Press Office

03 September 2024