Fórsa has written to Scouting Ireland to seek assurances after concerns were raised over child safety protection protocols in the organisation. Minister for Children Katherine Zappone told the Dáil last week that child protection agency Tusla had raised concerns over security and procedures in Scouting Ireland.

Fórsa official Dessie Robinson said he has written to Scouting Ireland’s management seeking engagement on the concerns of staff and other issues. “It’s been an extremely difficult 12 months for staff in Scouting Ireland, with funding withdrawn on several occasions, and numerous issues around governance structures,” he said.

Mr Robinson commended the organisation’s staff for their continued commitment in extremely difficult circumstances. He has called on Scouting Ireland’s stakeholders to work towards a swift resolution to the issues and concerns raised.