Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views in relation to the in camera rule in relation to Court cases with regard to childcare and protection; if he envisages any change thereto; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31352/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Independent Child Death Review Group has highlighted in its report what it considers to be the restrictive nature of the in camera rule and the fact that court proceedings relating to child welfare and protection cases are held in private. The Review Group has called for a review of the operation of the rule.

I believe there is scope for more transparency in this area. We need to put in place a mechanism which will ensure that the learning from such cases is shared across the system in order to improve services, while continuing to protect minor's interests and maintain anonymity. This would also allow the public to gain some insight into how the child protection system operates.

With this in mind it is my intention to bring forward new regulations, following consultation with my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Courts Service, to allow access to child welfare and protection proceedings for the purpose of reporting on such proceedings. I believe this can be achieved as long as it is approached sensitively and with due regard to the interests of those who are the subject of proceedings.