Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 1

Written Answers. - Child Abuse.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

232 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cases of child abuse reported to each of the eight health boards in each of the years from 1996 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19870/99]

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

The number of cases of reported child abuse as reported by the health boards for the years 1996, 1997, and 1998 is set out as follows. The complete statistics in relation to 1999 will not be available until early next year. Figures for the Southern Health Board in respect of the years 1996 and 1997 are not available as that board was in the process of reviewing its data collection systems.

Year	1996	1997	1998
Health Board	Reported	Reported	Reported
Eastern	2,386	2,028	1,719
Midland	1,501	1,199	1,019
Mid-Western	904	932	803
North-East	957	1,141	1,598
North-West	273	271	515
South-East	990	1,130	1,195
Southern	N/A	N/A	1,183
Western	721	611	647
Total	7732	7312	8679

In the past there have been some difficulties in obtaining standardised statistical information nationally. These difficulties will be addressed in the review of the child care data system which is being undertaken shortly.

The Deputy will be aware that the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998 which came into operation on 23 January, 1999 provides protection from civil liability to persons who report child abuse "reasonably and in good faith" to designated officers of health boards or the Garda. In addition Children First – National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children which I launched on 21 September last, update the child abuse guidelines with a view to strengthening the support and guidance for health professionals, teachers and members of the gardai, and the many people in sporting, cultural, community and voluntary organisations who come into regular contact with children. The objectives of the national guidelines are to improve the identification, reporting, assessment, treatment and management of child abuse; to clarify the responsibilities of various professionals and individuals within organisations and to enhance communication and co-ordination of information between disciplines and organisations.