Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 1

Written Answers. - Child Abuse.

Brian Cowen

Question:

71 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Health the Government's reasons for postponing for three years any further consideration of the mandatory reporting of child abuse in view of the fact that cases of confirmed child abuse have trebled in eight years. [4351/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Throughout 1996 I hosted a consultative process on mandatory reporting. The consultative process examined, not only the issue of mandatory reporting, but also other aspects of our child protection services. The majority of those who participated in the process expressed reservations or opposition to mandatory reporting. There was widespread agreement that further development of our child care services was required to ensure that children and professionals can report abuse in the knowledge that appropriate investigation, treatment and support services are available to victims.

In response to the views which were expressed by child care professionals and others who participated in the consultative process, I decided on a series of initiatives to best promote and protect the rights of children. I have published details of these initiatives recently in Putting Children First — Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Children and given a commitment that I will evaluate their impact over the next three years. If, following this evaluation, it is clear that the introduction of mandatory reporting would then be in the best interests of children, or that some form of statutory basis to ensure co-operation between agencies is required, then the necessary legislation will be introduced.