Scouting Ireland responds after Tusla said it should consider the viability of continuing with overnight trips
Scouting Ireland says the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, has never before raised at meetings between the two bodies what it calls the "most serious allegation" that "the actions of key personnel holding a role in safeguarding may have been compromised".
Minister for Children Katherine Zappone said this evening that parents should seek assurances that no overnight trips take place without adequate numbers of trained supervisors, who know the exact steps to take if a child comes to them with a concern. "Why is there a need for a subcommittee to be put in place to review the child safeguarding statement and procedures when Ireland's foremost safeguarding expert, Ian Elliott, completed a very comprehensive review in 2018 and Mr. Elliott's recommendations are currently being implemented by the organisation?"
It adds that Scouting Ireland has provided Tusla with details of allegations made to it and fully co-operated with the statutory Child and Family Agency. "Providing a safe environment for young people is a priority for Scouting Ireland and many positive changes have taken place to ensure that children in Scouting today are safer than they have ever been previously."
"There were one hundred and seventy-five calls to our helpline all of which were responded to quickly and evidence referred to the relevant authorities. We can provide testimonials from satisfied and grateful callers who took the time to thank us for our responses to them. She said Scouting Ireland must also continue to implement the review of Jillian Van Turnhout in relation to historic cases and that failure to do so would result in funding being cut again.
"Secondly the actions of key personnel holding a role in safeguarding within Scouting Ireland may have been compromised and consideration may have to be given to this.
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