A report into historical sexual abuse in scouting has found there was evidence of leaders covering up 'credible cases to protect the movement'.
Cronyism also allowed people who had a known sexual interest in children moved sideways or even promoted in the organisation, according to the report from child safeguarding expert Ian Elliott.
Scouting Ireland issued an 'organisational apology' for the abuse, which has so far been reported by 356 victims and survivors and was carried out by 275 alleged perpetrators.
Chair of Scouting Ireland Adrian Tennant says they accept the findings of the report.
He explained: "This learning review is correct in describing the culture that had existed in the legacy organisation as one that allowed the spectre of cronyism to develop, and where volunteers were not held accountable for their actions in the past.
"It is an appalling vision of abuse and cronyism, and a catastrophic failure over decades of the prevailing governing structures at the time to deal with it."
In its organisational apology, Scouting Ireland says it 'unreservedly apologises to the victims and survivors of abuse in scouting who were failed'.
They say they are sorry that you victims were not listened to or protected.
The apology states: "We know we cannot take away that hurt. But we do want you to know that you have been heard.
"We want you to know that you are believed."
