Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I can confirm that I have received a copy of the report referred to in the Deputy's question. The report was prepared by the Garda Inspectorate. It was submitted to my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, who published it. I wish to make it clear that there is no "turf war" between the HSE and the Garda Síochána on the issue of sexual offences against children, nor is such a contention contained in the report of the Garda Inspectorate. This issue can be placed in its proper context by quoting directly from the report, which "recognises that turf issues will inevitably arise when work begins on a multi disciplinary response to child abuse". That is the context in which the phrase "turf issues" was used. The report refers to possible "turf" issues in a general sense. This statement was not aimed directly at the HSE or the Garda authorities.

I am satisfied that the HSE and the Garda Síochána are totally committed to addressing the issue of child protection in a co-operative manner. That has been my experience since I became Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Clear leadership is being shown at a senior level within the HSE and the Garda Síochána. The need for close co-operation on child protection matters is being promoted throughout both organisations. The Garda Inspectorate report acknowledges "there is no doubting the declared commitments of the (then) OMCYA, the Garda Síochána and the HSE to the protection of children from abuse".

Having read the report, Deputy Ó Caoláin will be aware that it places a strong emphasis on inter-agency co-operation and the sharing of information. This is critical. It is why a strong emphasis on the development of inter-agency co-operation and the sharing of information has been included in the Government programme. That will underpin the legislation. There have been very positive developments since the report of the Garda Inspectorate came out. There is no doubt that many of the recommendations that were made in the report have been implemented. The new Children First guidelines have been drawn up and a new cross-departmental group, on which the Garda is represented, has been established. The Garda has taken many initiatives with which the Deputy is familiar, for example, an assistant commissioner has been placed in charge of this area and extensive training has been provided within the force. In recent weeks and months, the Garda has been providing updated training on the new children first guidelines, interview suites have come into operation and joint training for the interviewing of young victims has been provided jointly by the Health Service Executive and Garda Síochána.

Members of the Garda, HSE staff and I were present at meetings held around the country recently, which were attended by hundreds of front line social workers. While there is always room for improvements in this area, I am satisfied that good co-operation is taking place and that there is a strong commitment at the highest levels of the Garda Síochána and Health Service Executive to ensure child protection issues are prioritised.

See this speech in context