28 January, 2015 - Updated Action Plan in response to Louise O’Keeffe case lodged with the Council of Europe

An Updated Action plan has been lodged today with the Council of Europe following the European Court of Human Rights judgement in the case of Ms Louise O’Keeffe.

This updated Action Plan details the developments since the initial Action Plan was lodged last July. Specifically, it notes that the review initiated by the Government of current and planned legislative and administrative child protection measures in the education sector is continuing. The review which is being undertaken by a specifically tasked sub-committee of the Children First Inter-Departmental Implementation Group is expected to submit a report to Government in the near future.

It also notes that following the review of litigation undertaken by the State Claims Agency, the Government approved proposals to offer out of court settlements to those bringing cases of school sexual abuse against the State where the cases come within the terms of the ECHR judgement and meet certain other requirements. The Plan notes that the State Claims Agency is also reviewing the position of certain historical cases and the Government will consider whether any measures will be taken in relation to these cases when the review is complete.

Finally, it updates the position in relation to legislative developments noting that while it was hoped that the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 would have been commenced by December 2014 some legislative amendments were necessary and these amendments are expected to be enacted in the current Spring/Summer parliamentary session. It also notes that further additional measures to enhance child protection in the education sector are being introduced in the recently published Teaching Council (Amendment) Bill 2014 and that this Bill proposes a range of responsibilities on those organisations providing services to teachers which include risk assessment and risk mitigation measures as well as mandatory reporting of child protection concerns by certain key individuals, including teachers, who work with children.   

ENDS