Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding best advice and practice regarding a matter (details supplied). [8702/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Every organisation involved with children has a duty to protect the child and to safeguard them from harm. "Children First", the National Guidelines for the protection and welfare of children, provide that the Health Service Executive (HSE), as the agency with statutory responsibility, should always be notified where there are reasonable grounds for concern that a child may have been abused, is being abused, or is at risk of abuse. Contact details for local social work departments can be found on the 'Find a Health Service' section of the HSE's website (www.hse.ie) or by calling the HSE information line on 1850 24 1850. In the event of an emergency, where it is believed that there is an immediate or serious risk to a child, a report should be made to An Garda Síochána at any Garda station.

If a person or organisation has misgivings about the safety of a child and would find it helpful to discuss such concerns with a professional, they should not hesitate to contact the HSE. Members of the general public should also be aware that the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998 makes provision for the protection from civil liability of persons who have reported child abuse "reasonably and in good faith" to designated officers in the HSE or to An Garda Síochána.