Ian Elliott defends standards in the youth organisation following Tusla criticism
Mr Elliott, an independent consultant and safeguarding expert, has been assisting the youth organisation in improving current practices since 2017.“is as safe as it can be, and it is getting safer.”
In a recent letter to Scouting Ireland chief executive Dr John Lawlor, Tusla made a series of urgent recommendations over existing safeguarding failings. These included an “immediate review” of how children are supervised, and a recommendation Scouting Ireland “consider the viability of continuing with overnight trips.
“We want to discuss the evidence mentioned in this letter,” Mr Elliott said. “We have worked closely with them at inter-agency meetings. We had a meeting last Monday and asked if there were any concerns and we were told no, so we are confused by this,” he said. The helpline run by Scouting Ireland was criticised in Tusla’s letter, as internal safeguarding staff were dealing with complaints. “This may indicate a significant conflict of interest and raises a question in relation to the suitability, competence and ethics of such a system,” the letter said.
director of abuse survivors charity One in Four said it was concerning a “conflict” had emerged between Tusla and Scouting Ireland.Ms Lewis said she would have concerns if Scouting Ireland was “apparently not accepting” the issues raised by Tusla.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tusla voices ‘serious concerns’ over child protection in Scouting IrelandZappone tells Dáil of Tusla’s concern over current child protection standards in scouting body
Read more »
'Serious concerns’ raised over child protection in Scouting Ireland and continuation of overnight tripsTusla raises ‘serious concerns’ over child protection in Scouting Ireland and questions continuation of overnight trips
Read more »
Serious child protection concerns over Scouting IrelandKatherine Zappone said Tusla has recommended an immediate review of the supervision of children involved in scouting, and has stated that consideration should be given to the viability of continuing with overnight scouting trips.
Read more »
Oireachtas committee will not hear Scouting Ireland on child protectionLack of support from committee for hearing, despite new Tusla concerns on child safety
Read more »
Review into ‘concerning’ child-protection standards at Scouting IrelandTusla says lack of supervision on camping trips exposed children to harm
Read more »
Tusla to carry out review of child protection in Scouting IrelandZappone tells Dáil of child and family agency’s concern over standards in scouting body
Read more »
Tusla raises 'serious' child protection concerns over Scouting IrelandThe grave welfare worries were made in a Tusla letter to the national scout body
Read more »