Bring the full weight of the law on abusers
SCOUTING Ireland describes itself as a movement for young people, supported by adults, and as a non-formal educational experience which aims to help those young people become active citizens who will embrace the organisation’s ethos and work hard to create a better world. That it is a body worthy of our respect and support is unquestionable.
Hundreds of thousands of Irish youngsters, after all, have benefited from spending time in its ranks, forming lifelong friendships, learning about the importance of community, and developing skills that they will carry with them into the greater world and continue to draw upon throughout their lives.
Similarly, the input of the huge numbers of adult volunteers who offer their services, giving up their own free time, year in and year out, must also be acknowledged and applauded.
The aims and outlook of Scouting Ireland are admirable and, in this particular era, somewhat invaluable when it comes to offering our children an alternative to a sedentary life spent in the company of video games or on inappropriate internet sites.
That Michael D Higgins has stated that he has no plans to step down as patron of the organisation in the wake of the abuse revelations is to be welcomed – the President must indeed remain at the helm of Scouting Ireland and support it through this crisis.
However, it is vitally important that every allegation of abuse is now thoroughly investigated and each and every person who alleges that they were abused has their claim properly scrutinised so that they know, beyond all doubt, that their allegations are being taken seriously.
Critically, and with relevance to the present day, we need to know whether any of the alleged abusers still have access – be that either substantial or minimal – to any children.
Where evidence of abuse is found, the perpetrator must be prosecuted and the full weight of the law must be brought to bear upon them.
In parallel with this, and where wrongdoing is proven, there must then be an examination into the behaviour of those who were running the organisation when the abuse in question was perpetrated, and if cover-up is discovered, further legal action – civil or criminal – must be taken.
It is imperative that all those who were guilty of taking advantage of youngsters in their care are brought to account.
Only when that is done can the future of this important organisation be absolutely assured.