Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline the filtering system she will implement to prevent social workers being overwhelmed by suspected cases of child abuse; if she is concerned such a system may undermine the mandatory reporting requirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22079/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that the proposed legislation could give rise to a significant number of reports being made to the HSE and I am cognisant of the need for an effective filtering system to be put in place. In this regard, 'Guidance for Reporting of Abuse' is to be developed by my Department. This Guidance will deal with issues such as definitions, thresholds and appropriate routes for the reporting of abuse. The Guidance will be dependent on designated officers and professionals named in the legislation, considering a number of factors to see if the concern reaches the threshold of a report under the legislation.