Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

We all share a concern about this issue. I know that the Minister has been very involved in addressing it and it is being treated with absolute urgency in her Department. There is a clear focus on developing child protection services and the interaction between the different agencies. It is important to recognise the positive findings on the high level of co-operation between the Garda and the HSE that has been achieved, although we still have some way to go on that.

I am happy to relay the Deputy's concerns to the Minister about putting the Children First guidelines on a statutory footing. I will send her a note to that effect.

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