Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for taking this matter. I was alarmed by a representation I received from a constituent several months ago who had been trying to contact the children and family services in the area regarding his daughter who is subject to shared custody. He reported that she was placed on the at-risk register. She is nine years old and she has lived with her father for the past number of months as she has refused to return to the mother's house. Her father and grandmother both reported to me that the child has had to seek medical care but is fine while living with her father. He has sought a meeting with a social worker for many months but has been unable to contact anybody. On one occasion, he called to the office and remained there for the morning in an effort to speak to someone.

I was approached by him for help and I contacted the appropriate services on his behalf. I also was dismayed by the delay in communication from the staff. Having taken the matter to a higher level more than two months ago, I was assured it would be dealt with. I received an e-mail from a social worker in early October confirming that they had spoken to the child's father but when I contacted the family that evening, I was told this was not the case and that no contact had been made. It is of great concern that this could happen. On contacting the area manager about this matter, he confirmed that the facts in the e-mail sent to me by the social worker were not correct. I again requested that a call be made to the father to allay his concerns, as I felt a simple telephone call by the appropriate person in the service would calm the situation and prevent the matter from blowing out of all proportion. Unfortunately, that was more than four weeks ago and to date no contact has been made between a social worker and the father. I contacted the area manager again this week and received no communication at all. It is worrying that excuses such as lower staff numbers and cutbacks are given when a telephone call lasting only a few minutes could resolve this issue. It raises a bigger issue regarding services for children. We had the children's referendum and we all said we wanted to ensure the rights of children were addressed and upheld. We continually say children are our most precious possession.

If this is happening in my area, will the Minister investigate whether this is being replicated nationally? I seek an immediate intervention by her in this case on behalf of a father who is trying to do his best for his daughter. Will the Minister examine the bigger picture to ensure adequate children and family services are provided in order that families in need receive the support they require?