Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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565. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the recommendations of the report by a person (details supplied) into the Childcare Act 1991, published in May 2017 will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16167/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As I previously advised the house in reply to Question No. 66 of 6 February 2018, the Garda Commissioner engaged the professional services of Professor Geoffrey Shannon, Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, to conduct an independent audit of the exercise by An Garda Síochána of section 12, Child Care Act, 1991. 

Prof. Shannon’s final Report was published on 29 May 2017 and was welcomed by An Garda Síochána. While the report identified shortcomings, particularly in relation to inter-agency co-operation, it is worth noting that one of its main findings was that the exercise of section 12 of the Child Care Act, 1991 by members of An Garda Síochána has been necessary, proportionate and legal in its performance and without discrimination.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the findings and recommendations of the Report have been carefully examined by An Garda Síochána, and responsibility for the implementation of its recommendations now rests with the National Child Protection Unit within the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, under the direction of Assistant Commissioner, Special Crime Operations.

I understand that work is ongoing to implement the recommendations and liaison is continuing with Prof. Shannon, with an Action Plan now in place. A National Child Safeguarding Strategic Liaison Committee, comprising representatives from An Garda Síochána and Tusla, has also been established in order to progress those recommendations common to both organisations.

An Garda Síochána, under the direction of Assistant Commissioner, Special Crime Operations and D/Chief Superintendent, Garda National Protective Services Bureau will liaise with all stakeholders, both internal and external, including all relevant State and non-government agencies, to advance the implementation of the other conclusions and recommendations included in the Report.

A number of the recommendations from Dr. Shannon’s report relate to the PULSE system. The Government has already dedicated substantial resources for investment in Garda IT infrastructure. A total of €342 million has been allotted between 2016 and 2021, including €217 million in additional funding in the Capital Plan, and this investment will undoubtedly support a wide range of improvements to Garda systems including PULSE.

The Deputy will also be aware that a number of the issues highlighted in the Report come within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. I will, of course, assist Minister Zappone in addressing these issues where necessary, and I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána will be fully supported in pursuing the very necessary reforms identified in the Report.