Child Abuse
Dail Éireann — 2023-10-12
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Chris Andrews (SF), Dublin Bay South

Does the Minister believe serious reform has happened in SJAI? That is a critical point. He mentioned counselling. My understanding is that only one survivor has engaged in the process to access counselling. Rather than waiting for survivors to engage in the process, the Government, Department and SJAI should be proactive and deal with the individuals.
The Minister mentioned that he was establishing an institutional abuse working group to examine the report of Dr. Shannon. Has it been established? If so, who sits on it and what is its remit? When will it report, and will the report be published? Mick Finnegan has been strongly advocating to obtain basic information. There are many others who have not been able to come forward. From a trauma-informed perspective, the State needs to move and be proactive in engaging with survivors.
Does the Minister believe it is appropriate that the current board remains in situ given the findings of the report? Does he believe serious reforms have been made?

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2023-10-12/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:52:17+00:00
Sitting date: 2023-10-12