Finian McGrath
Question:412. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will supply the details of the contact person in his Department that deals with children at risk (details supplied). [38615/13]
View answerWednesday, 18 September 2013
Questions (412)
Written answers
If you feel that there is a Child Protection issue you should bring the concern to the attention of the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) or Principal of the school. The DLP is responsible for making the report to the HSE. You may wish to contact the HSE Children and Family Services directly as the relevant statutory authority with responsibility for Child Protection. The HSE social workers contact details for your area can be found on their website at www.hse.ie/go/socialworkers. All schools are required to adhere to Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools which give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in the implementation of Children First when dealing with allegations/suspicions of child abuse. In accordance with these procedures it is the responsibility of all Boards of Management to designate a senior full-time member of staff as the DLP for the school. It is expected that the DLP will normally be the Principal. The DLP is responsible for ensuring that the standard reporting procedure is followed so that suspected cases of child abuse are referred promptly to the HSE or An Garda Síochána. The procedures provide that in any case where the allegation or concern relates to the DLP, the matter must be reported to the Chairperson of the Board who in turn is required to adhere to the relevant procedures for dealing with same. Alternatively, there is a desiginated Child Protection unit within my Department to which you can report your concern. It may be contacted by telephoning (090) 648 4099 or by emailing childprotection@education.gov.ie. Any allegation of a child protection nature received by staff in my Department is dealt with in accordance with the Department's internal Procedures for responding to Child Protection Concerns brought to the attention of staff employed by the Department of Education and Skills. Under these procedures the department does not make any judgment on the concerns brought to its attention and ensures that the details of the concern reported to the department are immediately passed on to the relevant investigatory authorities, including the relevant school authorities, the Health Service Executive and/or An Garda Síochána. The department cannot guarantee confidentiality to complainants in such circumstances as the information it receives must be passed on to the relevant authorities for investigation, including any details of the person reporting the concern.