Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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323. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding bullying allegations by Athletics Ireland and ignoring the code of ethics, Children First, and duty of care in respect of a family (details supplied) in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36859/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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At the outset, I wish to emphasise that each Government Department retains responsibility for child protection within its own sector. While my Department is aware of this family’s complaint against a sporting club, and their concerns regarding how it was dealt with by a number of sporting regulatory bodies, this complaint is a matter for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and that Department has been actively engaged in the issues concerned.

My Department is aware of the complaint as members of the family have contacted the Children First Interdepartmental Group which is under the aegis of my Department, in relation to this matter. The family have been advised that the Group does not deal with individual complaints and allegations, and that its function relates to cross departmental and cross-sectoral matters relating to child welfare and protection.

My officials have been advised that members of the family have met with officials from a number of sporting regulatory bodies in an effort to resolve their complaint. In addition, the family have met with officials from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, which included that Department’s representative on the Children First Interdepartmental Group. Following this meeting, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport briefed the Children First Interdepartmental Group on the issues raised at the meeting, which included quality assuring the implementation of, and compliance with, Children First. These broader issues, which do fall under the remit of the Interdepartmental Group, are actively being dealt with by the Group on an ongoing basis, and the family have been advised of this.

Finally, I would like to reiterate a general reminder that if any person does develop a concern about the welfare of a child or about the risk any adult may pose to a child, or children, these should be reported immediately to the Child and Family Agency, and the family in this case have been so advised.