Introduction
The Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Schools has been established to investigate how concerns and complaints of child sexual abuse were handled in schools in Ireland.
The Commission’s work will examine the actions taken (or not taken) in response to such concerns across a range of institutions and authorities, including schools and those responsible for schools. The abuse must have occurred from 1927 to 2013, but may have been reported more recently or not reported at all.
Scope of the Commission’s Investigation
Under its Terms of Reference, the Commission will adopt a sampling approach. It will:
- Examine how concerns or complaints of child sexual abuse related to schools were handled.
- Identify whether there were failures in reporting, responding to, or preventing abuse.
- Examine relevant systems, policies, practices and decision-making processes over time.
The Commission’s focus is on the handling of concerns and systemic issues, rather than investigating individual allegations.
Records and Documentation
Schools and patrons may hold records that are relevant to the Commission’s Investigation. These may include, for example:
- Correspondence, files or reports relating to allegations or concerns.
- Records of complaints, child protection concerns or staff disciplinary processes.
- Minutes of meetings or internal communications.
- Policies or procedures in place at the time.
All schools, patron bodies and boards of management are strongly advised to take immediate steps to preserve any records in their possession, custody or control that may relate to:
- Allegations, suspicions or concerns of historical child sexual abuse.
- The handling of such concerns.
- Any actions taken or not taken in response.
This includes both paper and electronic records.
Records should not be destroyed, altered or disposed of, as they may be required by the Commission as part of its Investigation. Under Section 31 of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, there is an obligation on all persons who have in their ‘possession or power a document, or information in any form, relating to any matter which is within the Commission’s terms of reference’, to preserve that document or information.
Approach to Information Gathering
Given the scale and historical nature of the matters under examination, the Commission will adopt a structured and proportionate approach to gathering information.
Initial Survey
The Commission will begin by conducting an initial survey this Autumn seeking information from survivors, and others, about sexual abuse related to a school. This will assist in:
- Understanding the volume and nature of complaints of historical sexual abuse related to schools.
- Identifying areas or cases where there is sufficient material to support detailed Investigation.
Sampling Approach
Following this initial phase, the Commission will adopt a sampling approach, selecting specific cases or categories of cases for detailed Investigation.
This approach is necessary to enable the Commission to carry out a meaningful and evidence-based Investigation within its five-year timeframe.
Information Requests
Where the Commission determines it to be of assistance to its investigation, schools or patron bodies can expect that the Commission will:
- Write directly to request further information or documentation.
- Provide details of the specific materials or issues under examination.
- Set out any applicable timeframes and procedures.
Cooperation with the Commission
The Commission intends, wherever practicable, to carry out its work on the basis of voluntary cooperation.
Under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, a Commission:
- Is expected to seek and facilitate voluntary cooperation from individuals and organisations.
- Has the legal authority, where necessary, to require the production of documents and compel witnesses to provide evidence.
The Commission hopes that schools and those responsible for schools will engage constructively and assist fully with its work. However, the Commission may exercise its statutory powers where required to ensure the effectiveness of the Investigation.
Further Information
Further information about the Commission’s work, including updates and guidance, will be made available on this website.
Schools and patrons are encouraged to:
- Review their records management practices.
- Ensure that relevant documentation is identified and preserved.
- Prepare to respond to requests from the Commission where required.