Ivor Callely
Question:29 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the estimated costs associated with mandatory reporting of child abuse; the likely procedures for mandatory reporting, and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10961/97]
Written Answers. - Child Abuse Reporting.
No estimate has been made of the costs of introducing mandatory reporting of child abuse and it would be extremely difficult to compile such an estimate.
As I stated in my reply of 18 February 1997 to a previous parliamentary question, throughout 1996 I hosted a consultative process on the issue of mandatory reporting. At the end of 1996, I decided not to introduce mandatory reporting and announced a series of initiatives to best promote and protect the rights of children. The question of likely procedures for mandatory reporting does not arise therefore.