Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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437. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an organisation (details supplied) operates independently of or in tandem with Tusla. [38679/18]

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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439. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason second opinions in regard to findings in relation to allegations of child sexual abuse by an organisation (details supplied) are not facilitated by Tusla. [38682/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 439 together.

I can inform the Deputy that St Clare’s Unit operates independently of Tusla.

I am informed by Tusla that if social workers are seeking a second opinion in relation to findings of an assessment completed by an organisation such as St Clare’s, it is generally Tusla practice to seek a second opinion from a similar organisation, such as St Louise’s Unit. This is done to ensure the second opinion is independent and the assessment process follows the same format.

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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438. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the basis on which An Garda Síochána and Tusla assert that they are bound by the findings of reports on allegations of child sexual abuse from an organisation (details supplied); and if this is the case. [38681/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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When a report of child sexual abuse is received into Tusla, the duty social worker screens the report to obtain more information and ascertain if it reaches threshold. Once the report is screened, a strategy meeting is held with the Social Work Department, An Garda Síochána and where relevant, the identified service which offers credibility and therapeutic services in the catchment area, such as St Claire’s Unit. At this meeting a decision is reached regarding which service would be most suitable for the child. The available options are:1) A Joint Specialist Interview, with Gardaí taking the lead role. 2) A referral to a Specialist Unit such as St Claire’s Unit.3) The Social Work Department completing the assessment. When an assessment is completed by a Specialist Unit, Tusla receives a comprehensive report outlining the specific details, including an analysis of the findings. The assessment reports are forwarded to the Principal Social Worker, Team Leader and referring social worker who then review the findings. Tusla generally accept the findings of the specialised unit unless there are specific circumstances raising concern. The outcome of a completed assessment is either ‘Founded’ or ‘Unfounded.’ Tusla relies on this outcome to determine what further intervention is required.

Separately, An Garda Síochána have statutory responsibilities for the safety and welfare of children and the investigation of criminal complaints. As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I am not in a position to comment on the views of An Garda Síochána in relation to these matters. However, I will reiterate that Tusla and specialist services are civil authorities that make findings, drawn from all available information, on the balance of probability. This may differ from the burden of proof for criminal prosecution required for investigations by An Garda Síochána.

Tusla has a primary responsibility to promote the safety and well-being of children. Everyone must be alert to the possibility that children with whom they are in contact may be suffering from abuse or neglect. This responsibility is particularly relevant for professionals such as teachers, child care workers, health professionals and those working with adults with serious parenting difficulties. It is also an important responsibility for staff and people involved in sports clubs, community activities, youth clubs, religious/faith sector and other organisations catering for children. Tusla should always be informed when a person has reasonable grounds for concern.