Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the announcement of the establishment of a Commission of Investigation into historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools.

Minister Canney said: “This is a profoundly important step for survivors across the country who have waited for their experiences to be formally recognised, investigated, and understood. I want to commend the survivors whose courage in coming forward has made this Commission possible.”

The Commission, which will be chaired by Mr. Justice Michael MacGrath, will examine how allegations, suspicions and concerns of sexual abuse in schools—both day and boarding—were handled historically. The terms of reference reflect the findings and recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry, which revealed 2,395 allegations involving 884 alleged abusers across 308 schools nationwide from 1927 to 2013.

Minister Canney added: “The scale of what has come to light is deeply disturbing. Survivors deserve not only truth and accountability, but compassion and justice. I welcome the decision to accept the recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry, including the potential for a redress scheme and further work on commemoration and survivor supports.”

The inclusion of a Survivor Engagement Programme in the Commission’s work is a particularly important measure, ensuring that the voices of survivors remain central to the process.