An investigation into Scouting Ireland has found evidence of 71 alleged abusers and over 100 alleged victims within the organisation.

Minister Katherine Zappone delivered the news to the Oireachtas Committee for Children and Youth Affairs this morning, after receiving the information late last night.

Most of the cases date from the 1960s to the 1980s, with potentially one from an earlier period.

They were revealed by a review of the organisation carried out by Ian Elliot, the former CEO of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland.

Minister Zappone said the figures may yet change.

"Mr Ian Elliot has been examining the historical records," she said.

"He has found evidence of 71 alleged abusers and 108 alleged victims. This is based on his work to date and the numbers may change.

"Most of the cases were between the 1960s and the 1980s but there may be one from an earlier period." 

"Deeply sorry"

In a statement this afternoon, Scouting Ireland said that cases of abuse uncovered go back as a far as the 1940s - and noted that the "appropriate statutory agencies have been fully informed of alleged perpetrators still living."

The organisation's chairperson Aisling Kelly said the abuse occurred at the two former organisations that merged to form Scouting Ireland nearly 15 years ago, but admitted that "neither the offenders nor the victims were always dealt with appropriately by either organisation."

"We are deeply sorry for the hurt that has been caused by the actions of some past members of Scouting Ireland and its legacy organisations," she said.

"We are taking a victim led approach to this work and we are determined to ensure a comprehensive and compassionate response to those that were so badly wronged in the past.

"Many of these cases have been identified by victims coming forward to us with their stories.

"We now have a process where victims are being listened to and many feel that for the first time their voice is being heard. 

"I want to say categorically that Scouting Ireland is committed to providing support and help to all victims of past abuse within our organisation.

"You will be listened to; you will be supported."

The organisation has committed to recruiting a full-time safeguarding manager and will consider a new policy for supporting victims of abuse at it s next board meeting.

"We cannot change the past," said Ms Kelly. "But we can make sure that this organisation is a safe environment for all our members now and into the future.”

State funding

A number of senior officials from the scouting organisation appeared before the Oireachtas committee this morning.

It has twice seen its State funding withheld this year due to concerns over governance and child protection issues.

Minister Zappone provisionally restored the funding at the end of September on condition the organisation fully reformed its child protection rules.  

She told the committee this morning that she understands the alleged abusers uncovered by Mr Elliot's review were no longer working at the organisation.

She said the organisation's CEO had assured her that the incidents had been reported to the Gardaí.

"I find it deeply depressing," she said.

"I am also aware of the fact that some of the alleged victims could be listening to what we are discussing right now.

"I am deeply upset as minister in that regard." 

Scouting Ireland first had its funding withheld amid concerns over its handling of an allegation of rape.

A full independent investigation of the allegation was launched, which also looked into the handling of the matter by senior members of the organisation.

A new board was elected at the organisation's AGM in October. A decision to overhaul the organisation's governance structure was also approved.

The organisation agreed to provide Minister Zappone with a progress report on its reforms at the end of March 2019.

"Very distressing"

The One in Four charity for survivors of sexual abuse urged anyone affected by the scandal to reach out for help.

"It is very distressing to think that such a high number of sex offenders were able to gain access to children through an organisation that had been trusted by generations of parents," she said.

"It highlights the need for rigorous child safeguarding practices and Garda vetting to be put in place in every environment where children congregate.

She said the decision to commission a second report into sexual violence in Ireland, confirmed by Government yesterday, was "vital if we are to know if the legislative and policy changes in the past decade are having an impact in keeping children safe.”