Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2011
474 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to meet the leadership of the Catholic Church or any of the religious orders following the publication of the Cloyne report. [21420/11]
View answerPrior to the launch of the Cloyne Report, I met with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Catholic Church's National Board for Safeguarding Children to discuss a range of issues. The HSE's National Director for Children and Family Services, Mr. Gordon Jeyes, was also in attendance. Mr. Jeyes is at my request engaging directly with the Board on a programme of action designed to ensure that the Catholic Church is responding properly and comprehensively to all child protection concerns. He will report formally to me on progress in this regard.
Separately the HSE is finalising a national audit of child protection policies, procedures and practices in each Catholic diocese. I am advised that the report of this audit is at an advanced stage and that the HSE hopes to submit the report to me by the end of October. The need for follow-up action involving the Church authorities will be informed by the findings of the national audit.
