Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This protocol is in place. It relates to thresholds for the sharing of information and taking agreed action - when such information is shared - in the context of protecting children. The relevant front-line staff are aware of its existence and when families are moving between the two jurisdictions, information sharing is actually taking place.

The Deputy's point in respect of the North-South Ministerial Conference and the potential to develop our work in this area is relevant. We are considering a number of areas in respect of which information can be exchanged. One of the new work streams relates to examining the death of children in care in both jurisdictions and discovering the lessons we might learn and share in this regard. We are also considering what constitutes best practice in the context of safeguarding children generally. The Deputy referred earlier to specialist services and we are examining ways to provide these on a cross-Border basis in order to assist in meeting the needs of children and families in circumstances where a high volume of expertise is required. That matter is being jointly examined by the authorities in the two jurisdictions.

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