Mary O’Toole SC was appointed in March 2023 to lead the scoping inquiry, which was originally due to report to the minister for education by 7 November 2023 but was later delayed until June 2024.

The purpose of the report was to:

• set out a potential framework for a government response into historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders that could also form a template for government responses elsewhere;
• make recommendations on the scope/breadth and sequencing of such a response or modular response that will, in so far as is possible, best meet outcomes sought by survivors of historical sexual abuse and to suggest terms of reference for same; and
• outline findings of best practice that emerge from workstreams as relevant and appropriate to future practice in the area of child protection and potential restorative justice initiatives by religious orders.

Education minister Norma Foley said: “The report of the scoping inquiry is a substantial body of work, comprising 26 chapters across five volumes, and is over 700 pages in length.

“I am immensely grateful to the survivors who participated in the scoping inquiry and I am heartened to see that their contributions are foregrounded in the report.

“I am deeply conscious of the enormous trauma suffered by all survivors of sexual abuse and have always been clear that their voices would be central to the scoping inquiry’s Report.”

She added: “My thoughts today are with all survivors, and especially with those whose stories are contained within the report.

“I want to acknowledge in particular the late Mark Ryan, who, with his brother David, has been instrumental in the establishment of the scoping inquiry. Sadly, Mark did not live to see the outcome of the work that he did so much to set in train. He is very much in our thoughts today.

“I know that sexual abuse has had horrific and devastating consequences for far too many people. It has ruined lives, divided families and friendships, affected relationships and marriages and undermined people’s careers. Historical sexual abuse is still having an ongoing effect on the lives of so many today.”

Ms Foley also acknowledged the work of the scoping inquiry team, saying: “I would like to thank Mary O’Toole, Kieran McGrath and their teams for the enormous amount of work that they have done in completing the report. I would also like to acknowledge One in Four and thank them for the significant support provided throughout the process.

“It is clear that this extensive report is enormously detailed and some time will be required to give it careful consideration.”

The minister added: “However, I am also aware of the importance of this report to those who participated in the survivor engagement process and other survivors. I do not intend to delay its publication any longer than absolutely necessary.

“Following consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, the next step will be to seek government approval to publish the report in the shortest possible timeframe. Be assured I will keep you informed as I progress this work.”