Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

440. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 1132 of 12 June 2018, when a response from Tusla is likely to be forthcoming. [38738/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Following the Deputy's original question, my Department forwarded the request to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, for attention and direct reply.

My officials have followed up with Tusla in relation to the Deputy's question, and have asked Tusla to respond to the Deputy with the requested information, as soon as possible.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

441. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the serious incident report being prepared by a person (details supplied) into alleged child sex abuse in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38740/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is referring to an independent review I commissioned , in agreement with the Minister for Justice and Equality, to examine and report on the management of a complex and serious case of alleged child abuse and neglect involving sixteen children in four families.

While there is no evidence of any serious mishandling of the case by either Tusla or An Garda Síochána, I considered that it would be good practice to arrange for a short, focused independent ‘Serious Incident’ review of the actions taken in the case.

The primary purpose of the review is to ensure that any learning which may arise in relation to information exchange is captured and informs future work.

The Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, and chair of the Review Panel, Dr Geoffrey Shannon, has assisted with drafting the terms of reference for the review. These Terms of Reference have now been agreed with the Department of Justice and Equality, and will shortly be jointly submitted by myself and Minister Flanagan for the consideration of the Attorney General.

It is not possible to give a timeframe for the delivery of the report at this stage, given the complex and unusual nature of this case, and the importance of ensuring that this non-statutory review does not risk prejudicing the on-going investigation and criminal prosecution.