Deputy First Minister Micheál Martin has expressed surprise at the thought that advice might not be adhered to regarding reforms within St John’s Ambulance Ireland, which came in the wake of a scandal involving child sexual abuse. Martin’s remarks came in response to Independent TD Thomas Pringle in a Dáil discussion, who voiced the worries of mistreatment survivors. Over a year has passed since the scandal was reviewed yet its proposals have not been put into action, which Pringle considers to be completely intolerable.
Pringle’s words mimic statements made by Independent Senator Tom Clonan in the Seanad the previous day. Clonan mentioned his conversations with survivors, infected with concerns about the lack of implemented reforms, who felt disrespected and morally aggrieved.
The accusations involve a high-ranking ex-member of St John’s Ambulance’s Old Kilmainham team in Dublin, who is alleged to have abused over 16 boys from the early 1960s to late 1990s. A senior counsel and past Government child protection special rapporteur, Dr Geoffrey Shannon, carried out an examination into these historic abuse claims. He suggested in a following report that the charity needs to revamp its hierarchical ways and employ a dedicated child protection professional.
Pringle raised the matter in February, as he voiced frustration that nearly a year had passed since the critical report had come to light, yet the survivors still yearned for St. John Ambulance to put the suggestions into action. He went on to describe it as a scandal that the survivors were still waiting and even had to fight to make sure these recommendations were set in motion.
Martin assured that he will confer with the Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman, to discuss the grave concerns raised. He also promised to secure a report from the Department of Children on behalf of Mr Pringle. Patrick Costello, Green Party TD, highlighted that due to the charity’s financial state, the government is having to support the role of a safeguarding official – a role that is deemed to be an absolute must.
The Tánaiste highlighted that when similar issues were brought up concerning Scouting Ireland, its funding was suspended by the then Minister Katherine Zappone until necessary changes were enforced. He highlighted that the government had influence over the charity by financing the safeguarding officer and expressed his belief that it was time to utilise this leverage.
The Tánaiste mentioned that the department was focusing on the matter and pointed out that the crucial recommendation was to hire a national safeguarding officer who would collaborate with the organisation for a fixed period to guarantee complete compliance with the child protection and safeguarding regime.
In January, the charity interacted with department officials, informing them about their need for financial assistance to employ the safeguarding officer, and the Minister ratified funding for the position.
Addressing Mr Costello, Mr Martin clarified that the organisation published “three distinct progress reports or feedback documents during 2023”, in the months of March, July and November. He stated this was to rectify the notion that no actions were taken concerning the recommendations.