Jim Higgins
Question:254 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if he will give details of, (a) the number of cases of child abuse reported by teachers in 1991 and (b) the procedures to be adopted by teachers in such cases.
Written Answers. - Child Abuse.
The data requested by the Deputy is not recorded within my Department. Information in this regard is available from the Department of Health through the health boards.
Following detailed discussions between my Department and the organisations representing school management authorities, parents and teachers, Circular 16/91 recently issued to the management authorities and principals of each national school.
This circular, entitled "Procedures for Dealing with Allegations or Suspicions of Child Abuse", is intended to assist the school management authorities and teachers in handling disclosures from children, by detailing the steps to be taken when dealing with such matters.
The circular was issued in a pack which also contained the Department of Health Child Abuse Checklist and Child Abuse Guidelines and a list of directors of community care. I am arranging to have a copy of this pack forwarded to the Deputy.
I am arranging to expedite the provision for post-primary schools of similar guidelines and an appropriate circular has been sent to managerial and teacher associations for their observations.