The Education and Children's ministers have described the alleged sexual assault of a student at a Dublin school as very disturbing and distressing.
It follows a claim that a 13-year-old boy was allegedly sexually assaulted by other pupils at King's Hospital school, Dublin.
The school says gardaí and the child & family agency Tusla are currently investigating an alleged incident which occurred on Thursday November 24th.
In a statement released this afternoon, the school says the management and staff have actioned the correct procedures and requirements, including liaising with the appropriate agencies.
It says the parents of the alleged victim and of the students allegedly involved were briefed as soon as possible.
The school says the safety, health and welfare of the student concerned, and all students will continue to be their priority.
The statement adds: "At no stage did the management and staff fail to act on legal advice. Neither did the school seek advice from the State agencies by using hypothetical scenarios.
"The King's Hospital will not make any further comment until the investigations are complete."
Earlier, Children's Minister Katherine Zappone said it was 'distressing' to hear the reports of the alleged incident.
Education Minister Richard Bruton says the alleged incident is disturbing and worrying.
Education Minister says the alleged incident at Kings Hospital is disturbing and worrying for parents pic.twitter.com/fU2hAAGwX5
— Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) December 2, 2016
