The OCO's report outlines systemic failures in how public bodies handle cases involving the unexpected death of children, with a focus on the tragic case of Aoife Winterlich. Her family struggled for years to receive acknowledgment from Scouting Ireland regarding their daughter's death in 2015. The report criticizes the lack of review mechanisms and the lengthy delays families endure, exacerbating their grief. Scouting Ireland faced legal action and only admitted liability last year, leading to a settlement after years of distress for Aoife's family.
Families have also told us that there are no consistent timelines for reviews, which can further compound their grief, as they may be waiting years for answers.
The only option open in the tragic circumstances of this case was the civil courts.
The OCO report said she was also angry that Scouting Ireland declined to provide a report of the incident to the Coroner's Court.
Scouting Ireland accepted liability for the tragedy in April last year after negligence lawsuits taken by the family came to court.
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