Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs Anne Rabbitte TD has called for a debate to be held in Dáil Éireann on today’s independent report into historical child abuse within the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland and Scouting Association of Ireland.
Deputy Rabbitte’s call comes following the publication of Ian Elliott’s Historical Sexual Abuse in Scouting report, which was released by Scouting Ireland on Thursday.
Deputy Rabbitte said, “After reading the report I want to extend my thoughts to those who have been victim to the abuses they suffered during their time involved with Scouting Ireland. What’s been unearthed today is another dark chapter in this country’s history. We’ve once again seen the safety and wellbeing of children ignored in the most disgusting of ways.
“The victims need the full support of the State. My Party will be writing to the Ceann Comhairle asking that this report be debated in the Dáil at the next opportunity. It is important the full report is absorbed and debated by Dáil Éireann and steps agreed to support the victims of these historical abusive acts.
“What the report uncovered was that ‘individuals who had a sexual interest in young people, rose to positions of power and influence’. Ian Elliott also notes, however, that he encountered “significant limitations” in completing his work, which means the true extent of how the system so badly failed children is not clear.
“I hope other parties and members join in my view that this harrowing report should be debated as soon as possible in the Dáil and steps are taken to support victims and their families on the back of this report,” concluded Deputy Rabbitte.
