Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when she will publish the review of Children First National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children; the amendments that will be made to the guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24236/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the extent with which Government agencies and others comply with the Children First guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24237/08]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.

As part of the Government response to the publication of the Ferns report in October 2005 the Office of the Minister for Children was given the task of carrying out a national review of compliance with Children First — National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children, in partnership with Government departments. A comprehensive public consultation process has been completed, together with meetings with key stakeholders, including in particular the Health Service Executive and An Garda Síochána, and it is expected that the outcome of the review will be published this summer. The review addresses the issue of compliance by Government agencies and others with the Children First guidelines.

As part of the review, the Children First guidelines will be reprinted. The substance and principles of the guidelines will remain unchanged and will facilitate the continuation of a seamless child protection service. However, minor amendments will be made to reflect the following:

Changes in structures and legislation since the guidelines were first printed in 1999;

Issues arising from the publication of the 'Review Inquiry on any Matter pertaining to Child Protection Issues touching on or concerning Dr. A' report in April 2008;

Minor changes in relation to internal HSE procedures and terminology.

In relation to this area a Senior Officials group, comprising staff of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, the Health Service Executive, An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and the Department of Education and Science was recently established and is conducting regular meetings. The key role of this group is to see that all the appropriate measures are in place to ensure there is full awareness of child protection policies, guidelines and procedures as required under the Children First guidelines, and to advise me accordingly.