Written answers

Thursday, 10 July 2014

Department of Justice and Equality

Ombudsman for Children Reports

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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146. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when and the way she will implement the recommendations of the special Section 42 inquiry in to the removal of two Roma children from their families with regard to resourcing advocacy services for Roma and undertaking an assessment of needs regarding the supports which are necessary for the Roma community in association with members of the community themselves. [30546/14]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As I indicated at the launch of the Report, I fully accept the Inquiry’s recommendations in relation to engagement with and supports for the Roma community. In particular, I accept the Report's recommendations on the need to improve interaction with the Roma community and to have an up-to-date assessment of the needs regarding support provided by the State to that community. That support is provided by a range of Departments and agencies across Government. The establishment of an Implementation Group, to be chaired by my Department, is underway. This Group is tasked with ensuring that the recommendations set out in the Report are progressed and to report to me by year end.

I might also mention that my Department is also currently leading a cross-Departmental review of Ireland’s migrant integration strategy and I am committed to ensuring that this results in a more dynamic and effective approach to integration of all migrants in Ireland, including people of Roma background. Identifying practical measures to promote intercultural awareness and combat racism and xenophobia will also be an important element of the work of the Cross-Departmental Group.

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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147. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will require the Garda Commissioner to include a detailed section in her annual report to the Minister showing the number of occasions and circumstances when section 12 of the Child Care Act was invoked during the year, as recommended by the special section 42 inquiry conducted by the Ombudsman for Children; and the plans she has for implementing an independent audit of this function. [30547/14]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that the Garda Commissioner has already informed me that she proposes to include in An Garda Síochána's Annual Report the number of times section 12 of the Childcare Act 1991 is invoked in each year. This information will be included in the 2014 Annual Report of An Garda Síochána.

As the Deputy is aware, the recommendations of the Logan Report have been accepted in principle by the Government and an Implementation Group, chaired by my Department, has been established to progress them. Among the matters to be considered by the Implementation Group is the question of the audit arrangements for the exercise by an Garda Síochána of section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991.

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