Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

This is the first time I have had the opportunity to ask the Minister a question in the Dáil since her appointment. I would like to take the opportunity once again of congratulating her and wishing her every success.

In my question I refer to the mandatory reporting of child abuse. The most recent findings of the Roscommon, Kelly Fitzgerald, the Murphy and the Kilkenny reports demonstrate clearly that very little has changed. What is common to these reports is the very poor communication between the service providers, the HSE and the Garda Síochána. What is also common to those reports are the strong recommendations for mandatory reporting governed by statute. In the case of the professionals providing the services to children, such as teachers, doctors, nurses, youth workers, staff in professional crèches and so on, would the Minister agree that they should be legally obliged by statute to report abuse or suspected abuse?

I heard what the Minister had to say to Deputy McConalogue on the reporting requirements, but I think we would not have full child protection without the introduction of mandatory reporting.

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