Foley promises to expedite publication of report on sexual abuse at religious-run schools  

Norma Foley said she does not wish to prolong publication of the report. Picture: Damien Storan/PA

The minister for education has said she intends to publish a scoping report that details sexual abuse inflicted on survivors at religious-run day and boarding schools as soon as possible.

Norma Foley was speaking after receiving a 700-page “substantial report” which is comprised of 26 chapters across five volumes.

The minister said she is “immensely grateful” to the survivors who took part in the inquiry led by Mary O’Toole SC.

She said she does not wish to prolong the publication of the report.

“I am also aware of the importance of this report to those who participated in the survivor engagement process, and other survivors,” said the minister.

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."

Ms Foley also acknowledged the late Mark Ryan, who along with his brother David was 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,” she said.

“I know that sexual abuse has had a 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.” 

 The scoping inquiry was established in March 2023 to inform the Government response to revelations of historical sexual abuse in several day and boarding schools run by religions orders.