St John Ambulance abuse inquiry
Concerns were raised about settlements, possible Garda referrals and systemic failures identified in the Shannon review. The Taoiseach stressed that Dr. Shannon’s recommendations must be implemented and pointed to the Government’s decision to establish a commission of investigation, while noting reservations about inquiry models.
We know St. John Ambulance has paid money in settlements to a survivor who alleges sexual abuse in childhood by a former senior figure in St. John Ambulance. We are aware of further civil cases, and that some have been referred to An Garda. In 2023, the Shannon review confirmed systemic failures in St. John Ambulance from the sixties to the nineties. I note a recent statement from the Minister, Deputy Foley, confirming her Department provided funding for a 12-month period to ensure that all of Dr. Shannon's recommendations, including safeguarding, would be implemented in full. She also confirmed she had no plans to establish a statutory inquiry. That is regrettable. Survivors need transparency, a plan for the implementation of all the recommendations from the Shannon review, and they say they are exhausted by delays and the tone of engagement they have received to date. What is the Taoiseach's view on this, and does he join us in supporting survivors' calls for a full public inquiry?
Comment on this
First, it is critical that the recommendations of Dr. Shannon be implemented and that our focus is on that. There have been many calls for inquiries in many areas.
The Government yesterday took a very significant decision on the establishment of a commission that will have an enormous body-----
Comment on this
I know but I am just making the point. I have made the point previously about the most effective way to investigate or have inquiries into matters of this kind, given the enormity of what had to be covered in the decision yesterday. I had no issue with that, obviously, but I have broader concerns about the commission of investigation methodology and model as a basis for dealing with issues of this kind.