In Ireland, the age of criminal responsibility is 12 years. Incidents involving children under this age do not trigger a Garda investigation, while cases involving older children can take years to resolve. Tusla does not have the authority to recommend the exclusion of a child from school following an alleged sexual assault or harassment. This leaves victims dependent on decisions made by the principals of the schools and the individual Boards of Management (BOM). Thereafter there are 2 options. Firstly reaching out to the Ombudsman for Children, where a family can wait up to 6 months to get a reply. The Ombudsman has no legal standing, and cannot amend a decision made by a BOM of a school. Secondly is to employ legal services for a Judicial Review. This is prohibitively costly for most families, and again incredibly difficult when the family and victim are already suffering. 

In the majority of cases most children have to leave their school and friends, and in some cases relocate entirely. 

We urgently need clear, standardized guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of all students in such serious situations. Sign this petition to demand immediate action for better protection and support systems in our schools!