Written answers

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Department of Education and Skills

Legislative Measures

Photo of Denise MitchellDenise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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644. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there is any intention on the part of her Department to seek changes to the Children’s First Act 2015 to include special needs assistants and classroom assistants as mandated persons under the Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16494/23]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department takes child protection very seriously and considers that the protection and welfare of children is a fundamental responsibility of all involved in the care and education of children.

In this regard, any concern or allegation of a child protection nature received by staff in my Department is dealt with in accordance with the Department’s Procedures for responding to Child Protection Concerns which come to the attention of staff employed by the Department of Education.

The child protection procedures for primary and post primary schools 2017 outlines the reporting procedures to be followed by all members of the school personnel should they have any child protection concerns by reporting such concerns to the Designated Liaison Person [ DLP ] in the school.

My officials are not aware of any plans by the Department of children Equality Disability Integration and Youth to review or update the list of mandated persons in the Children's First Act of 2015.

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