Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

A historical or retrospective disclosure is where an adult discloses abuse experienced in childhood. I understand that the overwhelming majority of such disclosures are about sexual abuse. Tusla has advised me that there were 1,895 historical and retrospective cases on hand at the end of March 2017. Tusla has also indicated that, included in these cases and during the first three months of this year, it received 354 reports from adults about past abuse. Of the cases on hand, 1,141 were allocated to a social worker and 754 were awaiting allocation. All these referrals have been reviewed by a social worker and 120 have been categorised as high priority. While this is a very complex and worrying situation, the safety of children now is my top priority.

It is very important to point out that all child protection referrals which allege current or past criminal activity are referred to An Garda Síochána. Tusla's focus is to screen historical and retrospective disclosures for any indication of current risk to children. In cases of urgent need, the disclosure is acted on immediately. Tusla has a limited role where there is no evidence of a current risk to children. In respect of the adult making the disclosure, Tusla may assist him or her in accessing HSE counselling services.

Tusla's policy in assessing risk relating to an adult about whom an allegation of sexual abuse has been made is strictly guided by the principles set out in the Barr judgment. In such cases, the person must be informed of the nature of the allegation and the identity of the person who is making the complaint. Tusla must adhere to the practice of due process and fair procedure.

Tusla has put in place a service improvement plan, with experienced social workers dealing with the high priority cases. Medium and lower priority cases will be dealt with by social workers drawn from other services and provided with training and supervision. I have asked Tusla to report to me monthly on the progress it is making.

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