Scouting Ireland has been warned an urgent review of child safety needs to take place in the organisation.
Children's Minister Katherine Zappone says the child and family agency Tusla has written to Scouting Ireland with "serious concerns".
It's calling for an immediate review of how children are supervised.
The agency also claims Scouting Ireland should consider whether it's viable to continue overnight trips.
Children's Minister Katherine Zappone says Tusla has provided Scouting Ireland with eight recommendations.
Speaking in the Dáil, she explained: "Firstly, it is imperative that a proposed meeting between Scouting Ireland board of management is progressed without delay.
"Secondly, the actions of key personnel holding a role in safeguarding within Scouting Ireland may have been compromised, and that further consideration may have to be given to this."
Other recommendations include for a subcommittee to be put in place to review the organisation's child safeguarding statement and procedures.
Minister Zappone added: "These concerns have only just come to light.
"I do believe, though, that they require urgent consideration."
She said she'd be meeting with the chief social worker in her department to consider if any further action is needed.
"My concern is first and foremost about the children, and I am going to give that my attention," Minister Zappone stressed.
Scouting Ireland response
Responding to the latest developments, Scouting Ireland said it wants to reassure parents and volunteers "in the strongest possible terms" that safeguarding is front and centre of all their operations.
The organisation says the letter from Tusla "is deeply concerning", adding: "We have sought an urgent meeting with the Chair and CEO of Tusla to understand better their concerns to better enable us to act on them."
However, the statement expresses concern about a number of the issues raised by Tusla.
Scouting Ireland said: "To allege that 'the actions of key personnel holding a role in safeguarding may have been compromised' is a serious statement to make and we would like to understand why Tusla has made this statement.
"This is a most serious allegation, which we would have responded to immediately, had we known or understood Tusla’s concerns."
It also asked what evidence the child and family agency has to support the request for “an immediate review of the supervision of children involved in scouting".
The organisation adds that it's ready to meet with Tusla at any time.
'Exceptional funding'
Last week, Minister Zappone confirmed 'exceptional funding' of €200,000 has been made available to Scouting Ireland.
It was granted "on the strictest understanding that it will be solely used to staff its safeguarding office".
It comes amid a continuing review of allegations of historical sexual abuse within the organisation.
As of December, more than 300 alleged victims and 200 alleged perpetrators had been identified as part of the investigation.
