Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. The national safeguarding officer is conducting an audit of each of the 22 St. John Ambulance Ireland branches in respect of Children First compliance. This is a very important step. It will ensure that all local branches have an on-site designated child safeguarding officer, and that each branch has its own bespoke child safeguarding statement with adherence to the Children First legislation. It will also ensure that adequate child safeguarding training practices are in place. Furthermore, it will ensure proper management of reports of concern or allegations of child abuse and the reporting of same to the Department of children.

St. John Ambulance Ireland has informed the Department of children that it will continue to provide regular updates to its response document on the implementation of the Shannon report recommendations, with the latest one received this month. With respect to the therapeutic supports for survivors, the Department of children has been advised by St. John Ambulance Ireland that a counselling service is in plan. Service level agreements were put in place with recognised counselling service providers. These counselling services are available to victims and survivors through recognised providers, fully funded by St. John Ambulance Ireland. This support continues.

St. John Ambulance Ireland has committed to a robust implementation of child safeguarding practices and procedure. The organisation now has measures in place to ensure it will never be complacent about child safeguarding, and is committed to maintaining best practices on a continuous basis. Officials from the Department of children will continue to liaise with St. John Ambulance Ireland to ensure continued progress on the implementation of Dr. Shannon's independent review report recommendations.