Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. While the statutory bodies with primary responsibility for child welfare and protection are Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and An Garda Síochána, sometimes concerns about a child or a retrospective allegation are reported to my Department. My Department is committed to acting promptly when notified of any concerns and follows the principles of Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. A guidance document for staff of the Department details actions which should be taken if a concern or a retrospective allegation is reported to them. While staff are not expected to make an assessment of any allegation, they are required to make a report to Tusla, or to An Garda Síochána in an emergency situation.

The term "retrospective abuse" refers to abuse that an adult experienced which took place during their childhood. Information about abuse that happened in the past must also be sent to Tusla because the alleged abuser may have contact with other children, even if he or she no longer poses a threat to the alleged victim. Tusla has a specific retrospective abuse report form for reporting in these cases, available on its website. This form is for use by adults wishing to disclose childhood abuse; mandated persons under the Children First Act, and professionals providing adults with counselling, mental health or other relevant services.

Tusla assesses all child welfare and protection concerns that are reported to it. This includes historic allegations of abuse made by persons who were previously in the care of the State. If there are ongoing child protections concerns, Tusla will take the necessary actions to ensure that a child who may be at risk of harm is protected.

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