Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
438. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will publish the recent independent review into historical abuse within an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61698/22]
View answerThe Charities Regulatory Authority, under the aegis of the Department of Rural and Community Development, is Ireland's statutory regulator for charitable organisations, including St John Ambulance. My Department does not have a role in the governance of St John Ambulance.
St John Ambulance commissioned a review of historical allegations of abuse within the organisation. Dr Geoffrey Shannon was commissioned to conduct the review.
While the findings will be presented to the Board of St John Ambulance in the first instance, it is the Government’s expectation that St John Ambulance will ensure publication of the Review Report.
Tusla is responsible for assessing any current risk to children, arising from historical allegations of abuse. Tusla has liaised with St John’s Ambulance regarding the progress of the review and in order to improve safeguarding processes within the organisation.
St John’s Ambulance Safeguarding Statement, revised under advice from Tusla, has been deemed compliant by the Child Safeguarding Statement Compliance Unit.
