Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has completed its review of the joint protocol with the Garda Síochána, Children Missing from Care; if it is being implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29593/10]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 245: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a joint Garda and Health Service Executive review of the protocol on the reporting on the disappearance of migrant children has been completed; the changes recommended and implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29594/10]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together.

In April 2009, An Garda Síochána and the HSE signed a joint protocol which sets out the roles and responsibilities of both agencies in relation to Children Missing from Care. The joint aim of both organisations is to reduce the incidence of Children Missing from Care placements, including migrant children, to prevent those children from suffering harm and to return them to safety as soon as possible.

The protocol stated that at a national level, both the Health Service Executive and An Garda Síochána would undertake to review this protocol after six months of operation and at appropriate intervals thereafter. This Review is ongoing and is expected to be completed in the coming months.

In the interim the Protocol has been operational and is being implemented nationally.