Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 July 2013
639. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the numbers of social workers available in each local health office who have been trained to conduct specialist child interviews as part of the joint protocol with the Garda; the resources available to them to assist in the carrying out of such interviews; her future plans for this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36261/13]
View answerThirty-three social workers have received training in conducting specialist child interviews from the Garda Crime and Operational Training faculty in Templemore as part of a joint protocol with the Gardaí.
The protocol between An Garda Síochána and the HSE relates to the electronic recording of children being interviewed for suspected child abuse cases. The purpose of the protocol is to facilitate and assist both organisations in their approach to making a video recording of an interview with a complainant where it is intended to submit the recording as evidence at a trial.
Specialist interviews are conducted in interview suites provided by the Gardaí in seven locations throughout the country (Dublin (2), Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Sligo and Letterkenny)
The HSE is in discussions with the Gardaí regarding the planning of further training of staff in Specialist Interviewing.
