Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government states that protecting citizens is the founding duty of the State and, in particular, it mentions victims of sexual abuse. I wish to raise the matter of waiting lists in St. Louise's unit in Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin, where children reporting sexual abuse are interviewed. I have a constituent aged six who reported in early March that she had been sexually abused but she has still not been interviewed. She cannot get counselling before the interview occurs. This is a long time to wait when one is six years old, and it is a long time for her mam to be watching her child in this excruciating position. Yesterday, I wrote to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman. The child's mam has already been in touch with him but she received no help from him or Tusla either. I will be writing to the Ombudsman for Children today. It is up to the State to protect children. It is up to the Garda to conduct the interview. Last month we had to deal with mother and baby homes and this week we have traumatised children and their traumatised parents. What can be done about this waiting list?

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