Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 21: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether a person (details supplied) is fit to remain as patron of the primary schools in their diocese in view of their failure to adequately report clerical child sexual abuse which occurred in their diocese; if he is satisfied that there are adequate measures of protection for children attending the schools of which they are the patron; the number of schools and pupils under their patronage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7937/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I have already commented publicly in relation to this matter. I have made the point that the patronage of Catholic schools in a diocese rests ex officio with the person who is Bishop of that diocese at any particular point in time. In response to media queries as to whether I considered that the Bishop concerned should resign from his office I expressed that it was a matter for the Bishop and the church authorities. Under the Education Act , 1998 the day to day management of primary schools, including the need to ensure that adequate child protection procedures are in place, is a matter for the Board of Management of a primary school as distinct from the Patron.

My Department has issued child protection guidelines and procedures to all schools. The guidelines are based on Children First — the Department of Health & Children's national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children. The Children First guidelines make very clear the reporting and investigation mechanisms to be followed in cases of suspected child abuse wherever they occur, and the lead role of the HSE. The guidelines for schools require each board of management to designate a senior member of staff, normally the principal, as the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) for the school. The DLP acts as a liaison person with the health authorities and other agencies on child protection issues and as a resource person to any staff member who has concerns in this regard. My Department's records indicate that there are over 120 primary schools within the diocese concerned serving approximately 18,000 pupils.