Mr. Pat Bergin:

There was a reference to child protection and training. The HIQA report identifies that 86% of staff are now trained, which is a significant improvement for us compared with what had been there. All staff have now received training in child protection. Because of the change brought about by Children First, we need to update that again for 2018. We have a social worker on site. We have access to the social worker for all staff and young people. While the training is important and necessary, the culture should be one of openness and willingness to understand child protection issues, how to report them and how to follow them through. There have been significant improvements in the area of training. My concern is that we may overtrain the staff. While much needs to be done in respect of behavioural management, child protection and restorative practice, it should be spread over a period, rather than doing it all over six months, in which case our staff would be overtrained.