Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for Health and Children his plans to legislate to ensure emotional abuse is included as a recognised form of abuse which must be addressed if a child's rights are to be upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11882/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility under the Child Care Act 2001, to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. In the performance of this function the HSE has regard to all forms of child abuse, including emotional abuse.

Children First, the National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children, describes the principal types of child abuse and offers guidance on how to recognise and respond to allegations of abuse. The Guidelines identify emotional abuse as one of four categories of abuse and recognise that a child may be subject to more forms of abuse at any given time.

The Minister for Children, in conjunction with the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, is developing proposals for consideration by Government which are designed to ensure that the Children First Guidelines are underpinned by appropriate legislation.