The Commission on Child Abuse is to make recommendations shortly to the Minister for Education, Mr Martin, about the statutory powers needed before starting its work.
The Cabinet considered an interim report on September 15th in which the commission sought clarification on its terms of reference. The follow-up report is now almost complete.
It is understood there was some confusion over the terms of reference, and the commission is anxious to have outstanding issues clarified as quickly as possible to allow proceedings to go ahead. Mr Martin has promised to treat any legislation necessary to the work of the commission as a priority, so that access to it by victims can take place at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Minister published broad terms of reference for the commission in May. The primary focus will be to provide victims of abuse in childhood an opportunity to tell their experience to a sympathetic and experienced forum.