Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the procedure that is in place when a report is made by a teacher which expresses concern about the welfare or protection or possible physical abuse of a child in a primary school; the action that will be taken by her Department; the length of time that will normally elapse before there is a response to the report; her views on whether it a matter of urgency to carry out an investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42709/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Children First, the National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children provide support and guidance in recognising and responding to possible child abuse. The guidelines are aimed at health professionals, teachers, members of An Garda Síochána and any other persons/ organisations involved in providing services to children. This includes those involved in sporting, community and voluntary organisations. A revised version of the Children First guidelines will be published in the near future.

The Department of Education and Science has devised Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures for primary and post-primary schools. These Guidelines and Procedures are based on the Children First guidelines and give direction and guidance to school management and staff in dealing with allegations or suspicions of child abuse, with the protection and well-being of the child being the most important consideration. The Guidelines and Procedures set out the steps to be taken by school management and staff in dealing with suspicions or allegations of child abuse. I have requested the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy regarding the procedures followed after a report is made to the HSE.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is appropriate or acceptable that when a number of reports are made to her Department expressing concern about the welfare of a child, that a response is not forthcoming immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42710/09]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for the management and delivery of health and social services under the Health Act 2004. Any concerns which are brought to the attention of the Department with regard to the welfare of a child are brought to the attention of the HSE at the earliest opportunity. In the event that the Deputy has concerns about a particular case she might forward this information and I will arrange to have the matter examined in the Department.