Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if, arising from the number of reported incidents of child physical, sexual or other abuse, any particular lessons will be learned as to how best the relevant State institutions can become aware of the issues at a much earlier stage; if, arising from these experiences, she has in mind any particular structural changes in the area of child support services whereby it might be possible for the implementation of an early warning system thereby ensuring greater protection for children and young vulnerable adults in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33257/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The HSE's 2010 Review of Adequacy provided information on reported incidents of physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. Such information has informed learning about the impact of neglect, the benefits of early intervention, the serious impact of adult addiction on children's welfare and the issues that present for older teenagers with high risk behaviours, including suicide.

What is happening now in terms of the HSE's engagement with children and families is as follows:

· there is a closer integration across family support, child protection, and child and adult mental heath services;

· there is better integration of services and information;

· there is a model of managing referrals to ensure rapid response to welfare as well as child protection concerns, known as the differential response model;

· the Children First Guidance is being placed on a statutory footing;

· improved services within the HSE's Children and Family Services are currently being implemented by the National Director, Mr. Gordon Jeyes, and his national team. This team includes new national posts for Quality Assurance (including implementing all recommendations from inspections and investigations) and national standardised operational systems.

A fundamental structural change is currently under way, which will see the establishment of a dedicated Child and Family Support Agency in 2013. This will radically change how services are delivered to children and families. I established the Task Force on the Child and Family Support Agency in September 2011 under the chairmanship of Ms Maureen Lynott. The Task Force has been examining the necessary transition programme to establish a Child and Family Support Agency, and is basing its work on best practice in child welfare, family support and public administration; consistent with the Government's public sector reform agenda.

I am also committed to a Constitutional referendum to strengthen children's rights.