From top: Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone; Scouting Ireland logo
This afternoon.
Via the Department of Children and Youth Affairs:
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has today provided an update on the numbers of people coming forward with information about alleged abuse within scouting.
Minister Zappone says she has received a written update from Scouting Ireland which confirms that based on the continued review of historical files and 123 calls to a confidential helpline, they have now identified 317 alleged victims and 212 alleged perpetrators.
Minister Zappone said
“The increase in the number of alleged victims and alleged perpetrators identified during the past two-weeks are a matter of grave concern and once again underline the serious challenges facing Scouting Ireland.
As more people come forward with further information to Scouting Ireland, Tusla the child and family agency, Gardaí and other front-line support services these numbers will in all probability increase. The public should be aware of this.
All the agencies involved continue to work on providing verified figures. Supporting victims is my top priority. I would encourage anybody who has been abused or who wishes to name an alleged perpetrator to come forward.”
The Scouting Ireland confidential Freephone helpline is 1800 221199. The number is operational from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday.
More as we get it.
Previously: 71 Alleged Abusers And 108 Alleged Victims
and she’ll do nothing about it
what would you suggest she do?
Wait until everyone is dead so they can’t claim compensation. Standard.
Compensation from whom? The Scouts?
Why is the minister involved?
Maybe have Terry Prone rewrite this to a ‘nothing to see here’ scenario?
She’s just waiting for the call in her office in the seventh circle of hell.
Apparently the view is great.
Jaysus!
Yes?