Survivors of child sexual abuse at St John Ambulance Ireland (SJAI) have expressed concern over what they have described as a lack of accountability at the organisation, despite the appointment of a National Safeguarding Officer.
Last year, SJAI appointed an independent safeguarding consultant following a recommendation by Dr Geoffrey Shannon SC, who carried out an independent Review into the handling of complaints of historical sexual of children.
The review into the voluntary first aid organisation, published in 2022, was highly critical of SJAI's safeguarding practices which showed its garda vetting system was incomplete, creating the potential for unvetted individuals to gain access to children.
The National Safeguarding Officer was asked by St John Ambulance Ireland to review the adequacy and effectiveness of the organisation's response to complaints of sexual abuse within the organisation.
SJAI’s Child Safeguarding Statement and its Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures were reviewed.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has confirmed that it met with St John Ambulance Ireland and the National Safeguarding Officer last July and found that "good progress has been made".
In a statement, it said St John Ambulance Ireland would be retaining the services of the National Safeguarding Officer on a contractual basis and would continue to report directly to the SJAI Board on Safeguarding matters.
However, survivors have accused the department of failing in its oversight of the organisation.
They are particularly concerned that senior members remain in place since the publication of Dr Geoffery Shannon's report.
Spokesperson Mick Finnegan said the National Safeguarding Officer was being paid by SJAI and reporting to the board, which he concluded was a conflict of interest.
He accused the Department of abdicating responsibility regarding its oversight of the charity.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality acknowledged the trauma and distress associated with sexual abuse in childhood continuing into adulthood for victim - survivors of the St. John Ambulance Ireland child sexual abuse.
It said that St John Ambulance Ireland is independent in its functions as a registered charity, and that the oversight of the governance of the charity is a matter for the Charities Regulatory Authority.
