Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 78: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the ongoing programmes in place in each Government Department and State agency to ensure appropriate training on child protection issues is provided for the management and employees of Government Departments and State agencies. [14414/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The HSE has informed me that it supports comprehensive, ongoing training in the application of child protection guidelines and generally promotes awareness and good practice within the health services and other relevant organisations. On an ongoing basis the HSE provides child protection training for staff in the health service and those working in relevant voluntary and community groups. Support is also provided to other public agencies training staff in this area. In response to the Report ("Review Inquiry on any matter pertaining to Child Protection Issues touching on or concerning Dr. A"), a review of training available on child protection matters will be undertaken, with a view to ensuring compulsory child protection training for senior managers.

Training and education, together with good recruitment and child protection policies in line with Children First in all relevant agencies, is most important in ensuring child protection. The HSE have undertaken in their response to the review to address these issues (training and education in particular).