Statement on behalf of the Tánaiste regarding compensation for victims of abuse in schools

Last year, on behalf of the State, the then Taoiseach apologised to survivors of sexual abuse in day schools. It has been reported that nothing has been done since to give meaning to this apology. This is not the case.

As he promised on the day of the apology, financial settlements were offered to 13 survivors.

These settlements were made on foot of the report by Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill, who had been appointed as an independent adjudicator. Judge O’Neill found that in a number of cases, individuals should have been paid under the previous ex gratia payment scheme. Financial settlements were subsequently offered to these individuals.

Work also commenced in 2019 on establishing a new ex gratia payment scheme, with good progress being made. Unfortunately it wasn’t possible to progress the matter during the Election period and Covid Emergency. The new Taoiseach and Minister for Education have indicated they will follow up on this matter.