Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The consideration of putting the Children First guidelines on a statutory basis will be taken account of in the review which is nearing completion in the Office of the Minister for Children. This is a complex area which has been the subject of serious consideration by previous Ministers with responsibility for children. Any such decision could not be taken lightly as there is international evidence that such an approach has both positive and negative consequences associated with it. What is important now is to ensure that Children First, as it currently operates, is as effective and robust as possible in facilitating child protection.

Training and education, together with good recruitment and child protection policies in line with Children First, in all relevant agencies is most important in ensuring child protection, and the HSE has undertaken in its response to this report to address these issues, particularly training and education. The report has been referred to the HSE's human resources directorate to determine what, if any, implications there are under the HSE's human resources policies, and the Minister welcomes that. In addition to the meeting between the Office of the Minister for Children and relevant stakeholders, the finalisation of the review of Children First, which commenced after the Ferns Report, is an ideal opportunity to ensure that the guidelines are updated and improved as appropriate in the light of the Dr. A inquiry. It is important to note that the Children First guidelines, although not on a statutory basis, are Government approved guidelines which bring with them very clear responsibilities for those who become aware of child protection issues.

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