Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Schools

The Commission will examine how concerns of child sexual abuse were handled by schools, and by those responsible for schools.

This includes a wide range of schools, not just those run by religious orders, such as primary schools, national schools, secondary schools, community schools and comprehensive schools. Abuse that occurred in connection with a school may also be relevant, even where it did not take place on school grounds. Industrial and reformatory schools are generally not included in the Commission's remit.

It will consider the handling of abuse that occurred between 1927 and 2013. Such abuse is relevant even if complaints or allegations about the abuse were first made after 2013 or were not reported.

The Commission will also look at how specific State bodies responded to concerns reported to them. These bodies are:

• The Department of Education
• An Garda Síochána
• The Health Service Executive (and its predecessors and successors, such as Health Boards and the Child and Family Agency – Tusla

The Commission does not have any role in relation to redress or compensation. Its scope is solely related to sexual abuse and it does not have a remit to investigate physical or emotional abuse related to schools.

The Commission has launched a public survey through its website Commission of Investigation - Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Schools. The survey will remain open until 1st December 2026.

The survey is the first phase of engagement and is intended to gather information from survivors and others with relevant knowledge. Information received will help the Commission understand experiences, identify themes and patterns, inform the Survivor Engagement Programme and guide the focus of the subsequent Investigation.

The survey has been developed using survivor-centred and trauma-informed principles, with input from survivors, specialist support organisations, and experts in accessibility, survey design and data protection.

A dedicated independent Participation Support Service, delivered by One in Four, is available to support individuals who are considering participation. The service operates independently of the Commission and provides practical information, support in making informed decisions about participation, and referrals to additional supports where required.

The Commission recognises that many survivors now reside outside Ireland and wishes to ensure that those living overseas are aware of the survey and the supports available to assist participation.

The Commission would like to hear from three groups of people about their experiences through its survey:

Group A: Survivors

People who experienced sexual abuse as a child in a school, or in connection with a school, between 1927 and 2013.

Group B: Family Members

A family member completing the survey on behalf of a person who experienced sexual abuse as a child in a school, or in connection with a school, between 1927 and 2013, where that person is deceased or cannot be supported to participate themselves

Group C: People with Relevant Knowledge

People who witnessed abuse, received a complaint or report of sexual abuse, had concerns about abuse, or reported concerns about the sexual abuse of a child in a school or in connection with a school between 1927 and 2013. This could also include people who became aware of concerns of child sexual abuse through their professional role, such as teachers, social workers or other professionals.

Further information about the Commission of Investigation, including details of its remit, work programme and public survey, is available on the Commission's website: www.commissionofinvestigation.ie