The RTÉ documentary on the sexual abuse at Blackrock College highlights the murky history of abuse and cover-up in our education system. The redress scheme for survivors of sexual abuse in schools only came about through the bravery of Louise O'Keeffe who went to the European Court of Human Rights. The scheme, however, is intentionally restrictive and even with last year's changes it is designed to exclude many, as it is only open to those who had begun legal proceedings prior to July 2021. The Government is fully aware that many cases were dropped or even not initiated following the Supreme Court ruling against Louise O'Keeffe in 2009. This cruel restriction needs to be removed to enable all survivors of abuse to claim redress. Also, there is a glaring need to establish a commission of investigation into sexual and other forms of abuse in our schools.

I did not have a chance to listen to that documentary yet but I intend to do so over the weekend. I extend my sympathy and solidarity to the very brave men who are former students of Blackrock College for coming forward in the way they did. This, of course, is a matter for the Minister for Education, Deputy Norma Foley. I will let her know that the Deputy raised this and I will ask the Minister to come back to her with a direct reply.