Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will advice on the rights and support services available in respect of a teenager (details supplied) in Dublin 9 who is at risk. [40724/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is advised that in cases where there is concern for the welfare and protection of a child, a report should be made at the earliest opportunity to the HSE and/or An Garda Síochána as set out in Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. It is in the best interests of the child, his or her family and the person reporting the concern that reports are made through the proper channels, to ensure timely reporting of the concern and the appropriate confidentiality for all involved.

The aim of the Children First National Guidance is to direct the identification, investigation, assessment, reporting, treatment and management of child safety concerns. It sets out a number of key messages relating to the duty to protect children. Among these are that the safety and welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility, that children will have safer lives where everyone is attentive to their wellbeing and that people who work with children across a range of areas understand their responsibility for safe practice and the reporting of concerns.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs regarding the recommendations pertaining to the criminal justice system contained in the Fifth Report of the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, if she has consulted with the Department of Justice and Equality; if there is a time frame for the implementation of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40734/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The 2011 Report of the Special Rapporteur for Child Protection, Dr. Geoffrey Shannon, was published on the 24^th July 2012. The report is available on the websites of the Oireachtas (www.oireachtas.ie) and of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (www.dcya.ie).

The report is a wide ranging report and makes a series of recommendations in relation to child protection and the criminal justice system. Tge key message in this report is that we must continue to implement our ongoing reform agenda for children and families. Responsibility for the areas covered in the report falls to a number of Government Departments.

The following Departments/Agencies were identified as relevant to the recommendations made by the Rapporteur;

- Department of Children and Youth Affairs;

- Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources;

- Department of Education and Skills;

- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade;

- Department of Health;

- Department of Justice and Equality;

- the Health Service Executive [HSE].

All of these Departments and Agencies were consulted on the recommendations of the report prior to it being laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Report identifies a number of key areas in which the Government, and the DCYA, has already made substantial reforms; and a series of issues which will be addressed in the context of the forthcoming Children’s Referendum.

In relation to implementation of recommendations, each Department is responsible for those recommendations relating to their area of responsibility. Accordingly the Department of Justice and Equality is responsible for implementation of any recommendations relating to the criminal justice system.