(Posted 9th September 2024) Scoping Inquiry Report into Historical Sexual Abuse in Schools run by Religious Orders

PBST is deeply shocked and saddened to read the findings of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools run by Religious Orders. Our thoughts are with survivors and their families.
The report is an extremely upsetting document and survivors have shown extraordinary courage
in coming forward to share their experiences.
We unequivocally condemn all forms of sexual abuse. We acknowledge the hurt caused to
survivors of sexual abuse and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to all those who have been
deeply hurt by such abuse.
PBST undertakes to ensure that our schools today are safe places for all, and that the
highest standards of child safeguarding are in place. Our response to abuse allegations must be
grounded in truth, openness, transparency and accountability.
To ensure that the horrific abuses that occurred in the past will never be repeated, all schools
now have a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy in place and report annually to their patron
confirming that this policy has been reviewed and that a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is
available to students and staff to report any incidents of concern. The Department of Education
carries out regular Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspections (CPSI) in schools and issued
updated procedures to all schools in 2023.
In this regard the Report found that the current child protection systems and frameworks in
schools are robust.
PBST will continue to co-operate with the Department of Education and any other relevant
bodies on any issues arising from the Scoping Inquiry report.