Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to ascertain what lessons can be learned from these events. For that reason, I requested a full report from the Garda Síochána and I expect it to be delivered to me by Friday, 8 November. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has similarly requested a full report from the HSE on the matter and it is expected to be delivered to her within the same timescale. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and I have requested the Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, to carry out an examination of the matter. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and I have confirmed to the Ombudsman that we will provide the two reports requested from the Garda Síochána and the HSE upon their receipt on 8 November.

In order to ensure that the Ombudsman for Children is in a position to comprehensively and independently address all issues arising out of these events in so far as An Garda Síochána is concerned, I have already announced my proposal to appoint her, in accordance with section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended by section 42 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007, to conduct an inquiry. This is intended to ensure that she has sufficient powers to carry out an inquiry and is in a legal position to access all information that she may require from An Garda Síochána. She is already vested with legal powers in respect of any engagement she may undertake arising out of these matters with the HSE.

I am not in a position to inform the Deputy of the exact timeframe for the completion of the Ombudsman for Children's report. The Deputy will appreciate that the Ombudsman for Children will be carrying out an independent investigation and will take the time she believes she needs to ensure that her investigation is comprehensive so that her report can address these matters fully to her satisfaction. Upon the completion of this important task I look forward to receiving from her a detailed report containing such observations and recommendations as she may make. I believe this is an appropriate response to the issues that have been raised and I am grateful to the Ombudsman for Children for agreeing to undertake this task.

Child protection cases can, of their nature, involve complex and difficult choices. It is important now that an appropriate period of time be allocated to allow this process to take place and that people do not prejudge its outcome.

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It is also important that we do not undermine faith in the child protection services. Of course people should report to the authorities any reasonable concerns they have about the safety of children. However, in seeking to ensure that the welfare of children is safeguarded and that every child in this State is afforded, where necessary, the protection of the State, it is important that no group or minority community is singled out for unwarranted attention, or indeed suspicion, in child protection issues.

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