Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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670. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to the recently published HIQA 2016 overview, the number of adults to whom a social worker has not been allocated in cases related to retrospective allegations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21996/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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An historical/retrospective allegation is where an adult discloses abuse experienced in childhood. The overwhelming majority of historical/retrospective disclosures are about sexual abuse.

I can inform the Deputy that Tusla has advised that, at the end of February 2017, there were 1,985 historical/retrospective cases on hand, of which 1,144 were allocated to a social worker, and 841 were awaiting allocation. An unallocated case is given a high priority where there is information that the person against whom the allegation is made has a child abuse conviction, and a role that brings them into contact with children.

All child protection referrals which allege current or past criminal activity are referred to An Garda Síochána. Tusla’s focus is to screen historical/retrospective disclosures for any indication of current risk to children. Where a risk is identified, or in cases of urgent need, the disclosure is treated as a child protection referral and acted on accordingly. Tusla may also assist the person making the allegation to access HSE counselling services.

Tusla is engaged in year two of a three year plan to reduce the number of unallocated cases and is expanding the number of social workers it employs. The funding is in place to achieve this, but the recruitment environment is proving to be challenging. The Government is committed to helping Tusla to drive forward the reforms necessary to address this unacceptable waiting list.