Safeguarding manager to be appointed for Scouts

INTERVIEWS for a safeguarding manager for Scouting Ireland will take place in the coming weeks, as gardaí continue to investigate allegations of abuse in scouting circles in Cork.

The post of safeguarding manager was advertised in November, amid the revelation of widespread abuse within scouting circles across the country. Last month, Scouting Ireland revealed that the organisation now knows “of 212 known and alleged perpetrators and of 317 alleged victims, over the last 70 years”. This figure is believed to have increased in recent weeks.

Communication from Scouting Ireland’s board to its membership stated that there has been a good response for the position of safeguarding manager at the organisation.

Shortlisting and interviews for candidates are now being arranged.

A Provincial Conference for the Southern Region of Scouting Ireland will take place on February 9, ahead of the annual general meeting which is scheduled for April 13 in Dublin.

In its latest bulletin to members, Scouting Ireland’s board said: “The upcoming provincial conferences represent a chance for us all to collectively understand that we have moved forward, that safeguarding provisions will inform everything we do.”

“It should be noted, and this was done successfully in many areas following our last meeting, that certain information has to be shared in a manner that protects the organisation from sensitive information appearing in the press and social media, but at the same time, affording the membership the information it deserves to have in this time of uncertainty.”

Earlier this month, two new victims came forward in Cork to report historical abuse. And late last year, one man was arrested and questioned in Cork on foot of a complaint received from one former scout member. He was released without charge. Afile has been sent to Tusla in relation to allegations of abuse against another Corkman, by a different person.