Mary Lou McDonald
Question:48 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for the independent child death review group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33335/12]
View answerTuesday, 10 July 2012
Questions (39)
Written answers
The work of the Independent Child Death Review Group was completed upon the production of its final draft report. I want to commend the authors for the professional and painstaking work they did to produce a report of such high quality. The Review Group was asked to present key details of each case where the individual died from unnatural causes, but to anonymise the report so that the identities of all those children and young adults who passed away were protected. Ms Gibbons and Dr. Shannon were more than equal to the challenge this presented.
It was my clear intention that the report would enter the public domain and inform debate and discussion about the level of State and other services being offered to children and young adults in need of intervention and/or assistance. The Review Group achieved this aim. By publishing the report the Government has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and honesty about the challenges in getting children's services right. Child protection remains a high priority on our agenda and changes at every level — policy, law, structures and individual practitioner — were happening during the period of the preparation of this report, and will continue to happen.
Many of the recommendations echo recommendations made in previous reports. My officials are preparing a single database of various report recommendations in order to streamline reporting to me on these matters. My officials are also preparing a detailed project plan for children's services reform. Actions not already part of change programme will be incorporated into that plan. It is my intention to bring regular progress reports on the reform programme to Government and the relevant Cabinet sub-committee.