Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide survivors of abuse with well resourced counselling, support and advocacy services as a right. [23105/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. The need for additional supports is also being considered in the context of the implementation of the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse and I will be bringing proposals to Government in July in this regard.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce legislation to put the guidelines on child protection on a statutory footing and to establish an implementation body to provide for the outworking of the guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23106/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In July of last year I launched the National Review of Compliance with Children First. The key finding of that review conducted by my Office, is that the Guidelines themselves are fundamentally sound and that a renewed focus on implementation is required. The consistent application of the Children First Guidelines is being addressed by the HSE through the standardisation of Child Welfare and Protection business processes and the refocusing of social work services through the ongoing Social Work Reform programme. I am currently considering a number of legal issues in the context of ensuring the most effective implementation of the Children First Guidelines.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 314: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will establish a national therapy and assessment service for children who are currently suffering abuse, and national treatment facilities for children, teenagers and adults who have exhibited harmful sexual behaviour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23107/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.