Commission of inquiry to be established into allegations of historical sexual abuse in schools

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the move on foot of a memo brought by Education Minister Helen McEntee.

A commission of inquiry is to be established into allegations of historical sexual abuse in schools.

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the move on foot of a memo brought by Education Minister Helen McEntee. It is understood that Mr Justice Michael MacGrath will be nominated to head the commission.

A scoping inquiry published last year found that there were 2,395 allegations of sexual abuse against 884 teachers, priests and others in respect of 308 schools recorded by the religious orders which ran the schools. The Government agreed at the time to establish a statutory inquiry in response to the scoping inquiry. Survivors have raised concerns that this could delay redress or justice.

The Government's report into sexual abuse at religious-run boarding and day schools was prompted by revelations of systemic abuse by the Spiritan order at Blackrock College.

Further details on the commission's terms of reference and workings will be published today.