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

Question 325: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Ombudsman for Children has recommended that there should be a dedicated child protection service within the Garda Síochána; the consideration given by him to this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23335/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In her report based on an investigation into the implementation of the Children First national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children, the Ombudsman for Children states that her Office could see merit in the proposal for a dedicated child protection service in An Garda Síochána and recommended consideration of this proposal. While, as the report notes, the Office of the Ombudsman for Children has no authority in relation to An Garda Síochána, I am bringing what the Ombudsman has to say to the attention of the Garda authorities. I might mention that in April An Garda Síochána published a comprehensive document setting out its policy on the investigation of sexual crime, crimes against children and child welfare.