Schools urged to get data in order ahead of publication of Report of Scoping Inquiry

In anticipation of the publication of the final report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders, Senior Associate James Chambers has emphasised the importance of schools having robust data in place to facilitate cooperation with any ensuing statutory inquiry and/or future civil claims/redress.

This advice comes ahead of the expected publication in September of a significant report by the Minister for Education Norma Foley TD, detailing historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders. 

James Chambers commented, “With the release of the report imminent, it would be prudent for schools to collate their data, such as employment records for all teaching and non-teaching staff during the period covered by the inquiry, along with the full names of all pupils including start and finish dates. Schools should also review what insurance cover they have in place to cover any potential claims.” 

In March 2023, the Irish Government approved the establishment of an inquiry to inform their response to revelations of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders. 

The purpose of the report is three-fold; to set out a potential framework for the Irish Government’s response to the inquiry and to inform future responses elsewhere; to make recommendations on the scope/breadth of the response that will meet the best outcomes for survivors; and outline findings for future best practice in areas of child protection and potential restorative justice initiatives by religious orders. The report, led by independent Senior Counsel Mary O’Toole, spans 26 chapters across five volumes and exceeds 700 pages.

The Minister for Education has confirmed that the report will be made available to those who participated in the inquiry first before it is made public.