Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jul 1999

Vol. 507 No. 4

Written Answers. - Child Sexual Abuse.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

144 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children referred for assessment due to sexual abuse, physical abuse or neglect per health board since the beginning of 1999; the number which remain on waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17190/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Fahey)

The following is the latest information available in respect of waiting lists in each board.

Health Board	No. of Children on waiting lists for social work services
Eastern Health Board	463
Midland Health Board	0
Mid-Western Health Board	19

(5 cases of sexual abuse; 6 cases of physical abuse and 8 cases of neglect).

North-Eastern Health Board	0
North-Western Health Board	16

(5 cases of sexual abuse; 1 case of physical abuse; 8 cases of neglect and 2 cases of emotional abuse).

South-Eastern Health Board

6

(these are cases involving physical abuse and neglect: the Board expects that all cases will be seen within a matter of days)

Southern Health Board	0
Western Health Board	6

(3 cases of sexual abuse; 3 cases of neglect)

In the case of the Eastern Health Board, I have been advised that all cases requiring an immediate response receive it. Many of the cases on the waiting list have undergone an initial assessment and are awaiting reports from other specialist agencies.