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Child Abuse

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 November 2013

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Questions (177)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

177. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will transpose Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 combating the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing Council framework decision 2004/68/JHA ahead of the transposition due date on 18 December 2013; and the position regarding the Government's strategy to combat sexual abuse and exploitation. [49711/13]

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Written answers

I wish to advise the Deputy that the matter raised falls primarily within the remit of my colleague, Alan Shatter T.D., Minister for Justice and Equality. My Department and the HSE will continue to liaise with colleagues in the Department of Justice and Equality as necessary.

A Memorandum for Government has been prepared by the Department of Justice and Equality seeking approval for the drafting of legislation to implement the criminal law requirements of the Directive (and related provisions in UN and Council of Europe instruments), and the General Scheme of a Sexual Offences Bill was circulated on 12 November 2013. The legislative proposals of the Minister for Justice and Equality will be discussed by the Government in early December.

Insofar as enforcement is concerned An Garda Síochána puts a particular emphasis on tackling sexual crimes and crimes 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 provided to ensure it is in accordance with best international practice.

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