Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders

Abstract

Overview: The government approved the establishment of a scoping inquiry to inform the government’s response to revelations of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders. The Minister for Education Norma Foley appointed a Senior Counsel, Mary O’Toole SC, as the Lead of the scoping inquiry. Please note that this report contains detailed descriptions of sexual abuse, physical violence and references to suicide. It may be distressing to read. -- Purpose: The purpose of the scoping inquiry is to inform the government’s response to revelations of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders. Ms O’Toole has submitted a report to the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, including recommendations on next steps. The work of the Lead has been informed by reports and inputs from experts across a range of areas including child protection, restorative justice and, most importantly, survivor engagement. The Minister has considered the contents of the report and the report has been brought to Government. The government has approved the publication of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders this morning and has accepted its principal recommendation to establish a Commission of Investigation. -- Survivor Engagement: Engagement with survivors has been central to the work of the scoping inquiry. The survivor engagement process provided an opportunity for the views of those who are most directly affected to be heard clearly, and ensured that the recommendations set out in the Lead’s final report to the Minister are informed by the outcomes sought by survivors. The survivor engagement process has been led by child protection expert Kieran McGrath and conducted by facilitators trained in trauma-informed practice.