Written answers

Tuesday, 25 November 2014

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Legislative Measures

Photo of Dominic HanniganDominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

300. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the contact he has had with the Samaritans on their concerns regarding the Children First Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44799/14]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My officials have met with a wide variety of stakeholders in relation to the development of the Children First Bill 2014. I understand that the Samaritans were among a group of providers of telephone counselling and help lines services who were briefed by my officials.

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the submission that the Samaritans made to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children in July 2012 in which some concerns were expressed in relation to the Heads of the Children First Bill. These concerns specifically related to the proposal to create Designated Officers and the impact of mandatory reporting on the Samaritans telephone helpline.

If the Deputy is referring to this submission, I would like to clarify that the proposal to create Designated Officers was not included in the Children First Bill which was published in April of this year, and so this issue is in effect, resolved.

As regards the effect of mandatory reporting on the telephone helpline, the Samaritans expressed concerns that distressed persons may terminate their call to the helpline if they believe that the information that they are discussing may be reported to the Child and Family Agency.

The reporting requirements under the Bill apply to information that a mandated person receives in the course of their professional duties. Under the provisions of the Children First Bill, 2014, as initiated, volunteers who are staffing a helpline will not have statutory obligations to report placed upon them; however it is expected that all reasonable grounds for concern that a child may have been, is being or is at risk of being abused or neglected should be reported to the Agency in accordance with Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011).

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.