Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 2

Written Answers. - Investigation of Child Abuse Allegations.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

33 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health the average period of time, in each health board area, elapsing between the reporting and the investigation of suspected child abuse cases; if his attention has been drawn to the severe stress which any undue delay imposes on all concerned; the steps, if any, he intends to take to speed up investigations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20457/96]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr. Currie)

The procedures followed by health boards in investigating allegations of child abuse are in accordance with the 1987 child abuse guidelines issued by the Department of Health. The procedure which I introduced last year for the notification of suspected cases of child abuse between the health boards and the Garda represents a major amendment of the 1987 guidelines and is to be used where either agency suspects that child abuse has taken place.

The 1987 child abuse guidelines specify that where child abuse seems likely and a child appears to be at serious risk, immediate action must be taken to protect the child and any other children in the family. The guidelines specify that, whether with parental consent or under an emergency care order, the child should be taken from a medical examination by a local doctor and/or, where appropriate, by attendance at the nearest paediatric unit.

However, it is not possible to state the average time between the reporting and investigation of suspected cases of child abuse. The timescale for action in response to a report of child abuse forms part of the initial strategy for investigation and is dictated by the circumstances of the particular case. In all cases, health boards attempt to clarify the position in relation to the report and then act accordingly. The welfare of the child is the first and paramount consideration in deciding upon a particular course of action.

I am fully aware of the tragedy of child abuse and of the fact that some families may be distressed by what can be perceived as delays in completing the assessment. However, over the last two years, I have made it my priority to put in place measures to ensure that, where possible, children are protected from abuse, and where abuse has occurred, that the necessary resources have been made available so that cases are investigated as expeditiously as possible and every possible professional assistance and treatment is made available to the child.

A sum of £35 million has been invested in the development of the child care services on an annualised basis since 1993 and over 900 additional staff have been employed. All health boards availed of this funding to strengthen their community care teams to protect children from abuse. I have recently received approval in principle for a new programme of child care initiatives over the next three years which will further strengthen our child protection services and go some way towards reducing the scale of the tragedy of child abuse.