Finian McGrath
Question:82. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding emergency services for children. [54815/12]
View answerWednesday, 5 December 2012
Questions (82)
Written answers
I understand that the Deputy has tabled an identical question to my colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. I am informed by the Garda authorities that, in accordance with Section 7.7 of the Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011, An Garda Síochána will formally notify the Health Service Executive (HSE) when they suspect that a child has been or is being the victim of emotional, physical or sexual abuse or neglect. It is not necessary for An Garda Síochána to have sufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution before notifying the HSE.
Rape and sexual assault are serious offences which can have a traumatic effect on the victim. It is critically important that victims of such crimes continue to be supported and encouraged to come forward and report these crimes to An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána's Policing plan for 2012 puts a particular emphasis on tacking sexual crime and crime against children as well as pro-active cooperation with all relevant Departments, organisations and agencies to improve the safety of children. A comprehensive policy document on the investigation of sexual crimes against children and child welfare was developed by An Garda Síochána with Children First National Guidance 2011 adopted as Garda policy. Interaction with the HSE and Children and Family Services is an integral part of that policy in relation to all investigations of child abuse.
I am advised that a strategic committee has been established within an An Garda Síochána, chaired at Assistant Commissioner level, to liaise with the HSE's National Director of Children and Family Services, to ensure that all matters of strategy and policy in the field of inter-agency working receive proper direction. A Sexual Crime Management Unit has also been established within the Garda Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit, which is part of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The Unit is responsible for evaluating and monitoring the number of investigations each year into child sexual abuse, child neglect and other sexual offences, to ensure that they are receiving appropriate attention, advising on the investigation of such crimes and promoting best investigative practice. The unit interacts, as appropriate, with contact points in relevant agencies in relation to complaints of sexual abuse made to An Garda Síochána.
I am also assured that members of An Garda Síochána and HSE personnel have undergone joint and intensive training in the specialised skills necessary for interviewing children. The Garda College, in conjunction with HSE colleagues, is constantly reviewing the training to ensure it is accordance with best international practice.Furthermore, given the need for sensitivity and confidentiality surrounding sexual crimes, there is a clear advantage from an investigative perspective both for the victims and for An Garda Síochána in conducting relevant interviews away from Garda stations. A country wide network of dedicated interview suites has been established by the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána in six strategically chosen locations throughout the State which are used by the Garda authorities to record interviews with such victims. The roll out and utilisation of these interview suites is a huge step forward in terms of how child victims of sexual and violent abuse are dealt with by the criminal justice system.