Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his Topical Issue matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The Children First joint working protocol for An Garda Síochána and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, provides a framework for co-ordinated, co-operative working, which forms an integral part of child protection and welfare services. I note the Deputy said annual reviews are not happening. I am surprised to hear that but I will check that out.

The joint Tusla-Garda protocol outlines the expectation of record keeping, the tracking of notifications, the frequency of the joint Tusla area-Garda divisional liaison notification meetings and case management expectations. Tusla is focused on the assessment of the protection and welfare of the child while the aims of An Garda Síochána regarding child abuse and neglect are to preserve life, vindicate the human rights of each individual and prevent, investigate and detect criminal offences.

Currently, as acknowledged in the Children First joint working protocol, children who witness domestic abuse incidents are often traumatised and suffer emotional abuse. Children residing where domestic abuse occurs may also become victims of abuse and members of An Garda Síochána will take this into account when considering referral to Tusla. Gardaí will identify whether any children reside within the household. Where gardaí identify potential child protection and welfare concerns, Tusla will be notified without delay.

The Department of Justice has launched the third national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, DSGBV. A core pillar of the strategy indicates the State will offer a comprehensive, co-ordinated, authoritative, monitored and evaluated set of responses to DSGBV that will be informed by engagement with both key stakeholders and service users at a national, regional and local level with independent oversight. An action listed under that pillar includes the development of a cross-departmental and inter-agency response, which is of concern to the Deputy. I note what he is saying regarding any ad hoc-type of system or consistency so the fact that this includes an inter-agency response is noteworthy. This action will be primarily pursued by the new agency once established with support from the Department of Justice and Tusla.

It should be noted that even with the development of the new DSGBV agency, Tusla will always have a role to play in the child protection and welfare space as it relates to domestic violence. Safety planning for children today remains Tusla's primary duty and this often requires the appropriate sharing of relevant information to safeguard children.

The Deputy will also be aware that the child abuse substantiation procedure, CASP, was introduced in June 2022 as a replacement for 2014 policy, Policy and Procedures for Responding to Allegations of Abuse and Neglect. It is based on learning that indicated the need to further enhance consistency of practice across the agency.

In addition, changes were also required to incorporate new legal judgments in this complex area of law and practice. Prior to its adoption, CASP was subject to extensive consultation within Tusla and with external stakeholders.

Both Tusla and An Garda Síochána aim to work in a child-centred way to deliver services to victims of child sexual abuse. It is recognised that this is a very sensitive area but efforts are underway to improve inter-agency working through the national implementation of the Barnahus model of services. The Barnahus model is a child-friendly, interdisciplinary and multi-agency model of service that aims to improve children’s experience of services and avoid retraumatisation during medical and child protection assessments, evidence gathering and legal proceedings.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is working in close partnership with the Department of Justice and the Department of Health in developing the Barnahus model, which originated in Iceland and is being adapted to an Irish context. Inter-agency co-operation is a key element of the Barnahus project and is promoted at all stages of development and implementation.

A pilot service in Galway was launched in September 2019. Services are operational in a bespoke centre on the outskirts of Galway city, which allows relevant agencies to provide services for children under one roof.

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