An investigation of Scouting Ireland has found evidence of 71 alleged abusers and 108 victims within the organisation
Minister Katherine Zappone delivered the news to the Oireachtas Committee for Children and Youth Affairs this morning, after receiving the information late last night.
Most of the cases date from the 1960s to the 1980s, with potentially one from an earlier period.
Katherine Zappone told the Committee the figures shocked her:
"I find it deeply distressing, I'm also aware of the fact that some of the alleged victims could be listening to what we are discussing right now and I'm deeply upset as Minister."
