514. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the criteria used by the Government when deciding to establish a public inquiry into cases involving historical sexual abuse; whether this criteria is met in relation to an organisation (details supplied); and whether survivors of the organisation will be given the same opportunity for trust and accountability that has been afforded to victims in other abuse scandals. [67053/26]

There are no set criteria for when the State will establish a public inquiry into cases involving historical sexual abuse.

It should be noted that St John Ambulance Ireland is not a body under the aegis of the Department. It is an independent registered charity, and the Department has no role in the governance or oversight of the organisation. The Department also has no contractual or funding relationship with the organisation.

However, like all community and voluntary organisations in Ireland, St John Ambulance Ireland is required to comply with relevant statutory requirements, including the Children First Act 2015, in relation to safeguarding and mandated reporting.

In relation to the historical allegations of child sexual abuse within St John Ambulance Ireland, the organisation commissioned an independent inquiry and review by Dr Geoffrey Shannon to examine the allegations and assess its current safeguarding practices. This inquiry and review resulted in the publication of a final report on 16 March 2023, which included Dr Shannon's independent recommendations.

St John Ambulance Ireland has advised that, in accordance with its obligations under Children First, it has developed and implemented a Child Safeguarding Statement. Tusla engaged with St John Ambulance Ireland regarding safeguarding practices during the period of Dr Shannon's review, and a revised Child Safeguarding Statement was developed following that engagement and with the assistance of Tusla.

I, and the previous Minister, have been clear that all of the recommendations contained in the Shannon Report should be implemented by St John Ambulance Ireland as soon as practicable. However, as an independent organisation, responsibility for implementing these recommendations rests with St John Ambulance Ireland.

To date, St John Ambulance Ireland has published four reports on the implementation of these recommendations, which are available on its website. These reports provide updates on progress against each recommendation and include the implementation status of each one.