St John Ambulance has privately informed the Department of Children that it is financially incapable of employing a child protection manager. This admission is in the wake of financial difficulties tied to “negative publicity” stemming from a past scandal related to child sex abuse. A report set forth by Justice Geoffrey Shannon indicated that the aid group’s historical culture indirectly supported child grooming, and they had not acted in situations that had boys under the threat of abuse for a prolonged period during the 1990s.
Over 16 boys were reportedly molested by a once high-ranking individual within the Old Kilmainham sector of the organisation in Dublin between the early 60s and late 90s. The March-published report confirmed that the organisation, aware of the threat he presented, did not take action against this individual for a number of years. It therefore recommended an overhaul to the organisational culture and to employ a dedicated child protection specialist.
Despite previous shipments of assurance last year that they were on the verge of hiring someone for the role, this is yet to occur. At the beginning of the current year, funding for this role was sought from the department. St John Ambulance commissioner, John Hughes, expressed to department officials that they had found a “highly qualified candidate” but couldn’t manage the funds required for this role. Consequently, the offer couldn’t be extended to the candidate, as described in a January 4th meeting with department officials.
It’s “challenging” to fill this role, maintained Mr Hughes, as the organisation cannot extend remote work possibilities. The controversy regarding the abuse has also affected the willingness of potential board members. The meeting minutes reveal that fewer people want to associate themselves with the group. With the main incomings being generated from fundraising efforts, the group faced challenges in obtaining additional funding due to adverse publicity, revealed Richard Ensor, the interim chairman of the board. The organisation’s spokesman cited the financial impact of the independent abuse review as another cost burden.
On the 15th of February, Roderic O’Gorman, the Children’s Minister, communicated to the Oireachtas children’s committee his decision to earmark departmental funds for the position of a child protection officer. Mr O’Gorman announced the allocation of €100,000 from state coffers to resource the post, a move necessitated owing to the prolonged wait in having the role filled.