An Independent TD has described the sexual exploitation by predators of children in care as an “emergency”, and said there is “a desperate and almost unforgiveable lack of urgency being applied to this issue at the inter-departmental level”.
Speaking in the Dáíl this afternoon, Deputy Carol Nolan said that the “frankly terrifying and explosive report was lost in the media noise generated by the RTE payments controversy.”
“It has received nothing like the kind of media and political attention that it deserves,” she said.
“The voices of these children need to be heard above the noise. They are screaming for our help. We must not turn a deaf ear toward them,” the Independent TD told the House.
Deputy Nolan said that in June of this year a scoping report on the sexual exploitation of children in state care by UCD academics Dr Mary Canning, Dr Marie Keenan and Ms Ruth Breslin was published.
“The Report outlined in horrifying detail the predatory behaviour that these young people, mainly young girls are being subjected to,” she said.
“We were told they are being “manipulated, coerced or deceived into sexual activity in return for something they want or need, to the advantage of the perpetrator,” the Laois-Offaly TD said.
“We read how some of the most vulnerable children in state care are going ‘missing’ or running away from home or a care placement, despite the fact that some have an intellectual disability, suffered prior sexual abuse or neglect, alcohol and drug misuse.”
“Unfortunately, this frankly terrifying and explosive report was lost in the media noise generated by the RTE payments controversy. It has received nothing like the kind of media and political attention that it deserves,” she said.
“I have placed a number of PQs on this matter. The most recent reply left me almost speechless,” she continued.
“I have been informed that almost five months on from the publication of this report, the Dept of Children has made absolutely no contact with the Department of Justice to discuss these matters.”
“Nor has anyone from the Department of Justice reached out to the Department of Children,” she said.
“How can this be, Minister? We know that The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 states that a child below the age of sexual consent (17) cannot consent to sexual activity. This clearly demonstrates there is a legal and justice related dimension to this issue.”
“Yet in five months there has been no engagement with, or from, the Department of Justice on the scoping report and its recommendations.”
“I and my staff have met with Dr Canning and Ms Breslin and we had a fruitful and constructive debate. They acknowledge that Minister O’Gorman took the issue seriously and I commend him for this.”
“But clearly there is a desperate and almost unforgiveable lack of urgency being applied to this issue at the inter-departmental level. I am asking you today, to ensure that attention is refocused on this highly significant report and that it becomes a priority of this Government and in particular the Department of Children and the Department of Justice to progress the recommendations made within it. Will you commit to doing that here today?” she asked .
In response, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that the report had raised matters “of the most profound concern” and that it had raised issues of young girls in residential care, who were amongst the most vulnerable people in society, being targeted by predatory individuals and groups.
He said that the matter was being examined by a Working Group looking at institutional and organisational abuse.
Deputy Nolan said that “an immediate action that could taken or at least begun today is to deal with how these issues are classified by the Department of Justice.”
“The Scoping Report clearly shows that the reclassification of data by the Department of Justice in 2017 has led to a significant reduction in offences recognised as trafficking of children for sexual exploitation, although the reasons offered for reclassification were deemed “vague and difficult to substantiate in any meaningful way” by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.”
“It will be to our eternal shame if we allow this Scoping Report and its findings once more to recede into the media and political shadows. The voices of these children need to be heard above the noise. They are screaming for our help. We must not turn a deaf ear toward them,” she said.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that Deputy Nolan had provided a public service in bringing the issue to the floor of the House for Leader’s Questions, and that he would follow up regarding the area of reclassification and revert to Deputy Nolan.
He said that there was a strong working protocol between Tusla and Garda Síochána to protect against abuse and exploitation of children.
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This is December and Martin is praising Nolan for asking him what has he done (nothing) about reported cases of institutionalised child rape first made known to his government last June. As he has done nothing in over 5 months, he and his government and their loyal opposition must believe raping vulnerable children is fine. That is where we are as a nation
Declan, Michael Martin is and absolute liar who should not be listened to or believed. When I told him about the corruption of the Belfast Union members of ITGWU – whereby they formed a Union and Employers Court for sacking Dockers who wouldn’t discharge Asbestos without protection – and that the evidence of this is on the web, he was shocked. While his staff took down all the details – he promised to contact Jack O’Connor “whom he knows personally” and get back to me. This was Ten Years ago and I am still waiting.
Jeffrey Epstein was a mossad agent blackmailing politicians, judges etc. Government’s around the world cover up the industrialised rape of children (e.g. Rotherham). Israel wants to legalise paedophilia (link attached). None of these things are connected in any shape or fashion – now shut up antisemite!!
https://m.jpost.com/israel-news/article-741881
I wonder who it suits that this is not given any media attention? Anyone know where our children’s ombudsman is? The silence is deafening!!!!! Shameful.
I completely agree with you – but am therefore baffled as to why you censored me and would not let me speak at the RDS. I know this won’t be published – but am asking you for the answer.
A report cannot be at the same time independent AND written by people, like Ruth Breslin, who make a living from lobbying against sex work. This is angling for budget.
Not sure your comment makes any sense lad. Sex work is were alot of these kids are ending up because of the sick bustards taking advantage of them. OK maybe Mrs Breslin is looking for more funding but surely it’s a worthy cause seeing as how we can give greyhound racing and horse racing 150 Mill to keep the Galway tent sweet. Christ sure anyone’s kids could possibly end up in state care with the way ireland is going right now. There is no safety net for any Irish person. The priorities of fffgg is upside down.
I don’t see why not. If Mrs Breslin provides robust solid evidence that the abuse is taking place then the report stands. What do you want her to do provide evidence and then deny it’s existence all in the same report.