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

I thank the Deputy. I note the information and the specific examples he has provided. We take note when the Deputy makes representations. I suggest there is evidence of good inter-agency co-operation, particularly between Tusla and An Garda Síochána, which is what the Deputy's comments largely concerned, as well as other bodies working with children and their families.

As the Deputy knows, social workers and gardaí work together on a daily basis in the interests of children and in the main, these relationships are positive and work well. However, as the Deputy notes, the system has benefited greatly from the audit performed by Dr. Shannon and other investigative reports. Recommendations were made in light of that audit. As a result, An Garda Síochána and Tusla published the Children First joint working protocol to reflect the provisions of the new Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 and the Children First national guidance for the protection and welfare of children of 2017. That protocol covers respective responsibilities in key areas, including notifications of suspected abuse between both agencies, the role and function of each agency, confidentiality and information-sharing, ongoing case management, liaison management, structures and meetings. I can assure the Deputy that the ongoing implementation of joint working strategies is subject to ongoing analysis and review by Tusla and An Garda Síochána and is monitored by this group.

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