Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

[Deputy Frances Fitzgerald.]
Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
this context specifies the immediate creation of a PULSE record, and that front-line Gardaí
know exactly what is required of them in such situations. In relation to the timeliness of investigations
it is my understanding that the Gardaí accord a high priority to the investigation of
child sexual abuse and will continue to co-operate with other agencies to ensure that investigations
are completed as quickly as possible.
Child Abuse
89. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent
to which she has studied the incidents of child abuse reported over the past ten years with a
view to determination of policy in so far as it is possible eliminate the potential for recurrence;
if from the information available it is now perceived that strategic and adequate intervention
might have prevented the scale, extent and continuation of any such abuse of a sexual, physical
or psychological nature in respect of children and young adults; the measures she now proposes
to take of a legislation and administrative nature in this regard; and if she will make a statement
on the matter. [8034/12]
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): Over the last number
of years we have seen the publication of some very significant reports arising from inquiries,
investigations and research conducted into child abuse. I read these reports with great concern
and sadness, and the collective learning from this work has helped to inform, motivate and
shape the Government’s ongoing response to the issue of child abuse in all its forms.
It is difficult with hindsight to speculate at this point as to whether such abuse could have
been prevented. In the case of historic inquiries different attitudes and a greater awareness of
the prevalence of abuse may certainly have altered the landscape. It is clear that children were
failed by the system and by those charged with their protection. More generally national and
international research has linked incidents of child abuse with domestic violence, alcohol and
drug addiction amongst families. We need to tackle this on a number of fronts, through early
intervention and the provision of family support; by ensuring that the social work profession is
sufficiently trained to make professional decisions; and perhaps more importantly by promoting
and developing much greater societal awareness of child neglect and abuse and the risk posed
to vulnerable children.
It is also the case that we need to put in place a strengthened policy, legislative and practice
framework to respond to the issue of child abuse in Ireland. I would say in this context and in
terms of looking forward that the creation of a dedicated Department of Children and Youth
Affairs has been a very significant step by the Government in recognising and acknowledging
the importance of this issue and that the protection of children is given the highest political
priority. Within the Department I have set a very strong agenda that has as its aim the strengthening
of the policy, legislative and structural framework around child welfare and protection,
to include required reform of service provision. Since coming into office I published revised
Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. The Guidance
deals with the recognition, reporting and management of child safety concerns. The previous
Guidance was in place over the last decade. The revised Guidance sets out specific protocols
for HSE social workers, Gardaí and other front line staff in dealing with suspected abuse. In
particular the Guidance focuses on the impact of neglect, and the negative effect of domestic
violence and addiction on children. The scope of Children First extends beyond the reporting
of suspected abuse. It emphasises the importance of multi-disciplinary, inter-agency working in
the management of such concerns. Key to this is the sharing of information between agencies
and disciplines in the best interests of children and the need for full co-operation to ensure
better outcomes. The Guidance also emphasises society’s role in protecting children.
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