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Scouting Ireland insists robust safeguards are in place for weekend trips

Scouting Ireland insists robust safeguards are in place for weekend trips involving scouts. It's ...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

18.03 28 Feb 2019


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Scouting Ireland insists robus...

Scouting Ireland insists robust safeguards are in place for weekend trips

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

18.03 28 Feb 2019


Share this article


Scouting Ireland insists robust safeguards are in place for weekend trips involving scouts.

It's after Tusla called for a full review of child safety structures at the organisation.

In a letter published yesterday, the child and family agency also called for the scouting body to consider the viability of continuing with overnight trips.

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The issue was raised again in the Dáil earlier.

Tánaiste Simon Coveney suggested parents should make sure trips this weekend are well supervised.

He told deputies: "What's said is that parents should seek assurances that no overnight trips take place without adequate numbers of train supervisors.

"Scouting Ireland must ensure that each of these supervisors knows the exact steps to take if a child comes to them with a concern, or if something happens.

"Parents who seek these assurances and ask sensible questions are behaving in a reasonable and responsible manner."

'Robust framework'

Scouting Ireland's Child Protection Consultant, Ian Elliott, said there are specific policies in place to deal with the issue of safeguarding.

He stressed they're working to make "Scouting Ireland as safe as it can possible safe [...] and it is in our view safe".

Speaking on the Hard Shoulder, Mr Elliott explained: "We have 17 policies specifically in relation to overnight trips or camping.

"We have a robust policy framework now in place.

"We also have means by which we ensure that those policies not only exist but are complied with - actively complied with - by the 13,500 adult volunteers."

He also said they're seeking an urgent meeting with Tusla to find out why the letter was published without it being raised with them first.

Helpline

Meanwhile, Tusla has invited Scouting Ireland to a meeting to discuss concerns the agency has on current practices and procedures.

In a statement, Tusla explained: "We wish to acknowledge that there are many people involved in scouting who do good work with children and it is not our intention to undermine that in any way.

"However, at this time we do have concerns about current practices and procedures in Scouting Ireland."

A helpline has been set up by Tusla for anyone with a child protection or welfare concern at the scouting organisation.

The number is 1800 805 665, and is open from 10am-4pm Monday to Friday.

Main image: File photo. Image: Frank May/DPA/PA Images

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