Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2013
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Child Safety
204. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason his Department does not always report allegations of criminality to An Garda Síochána in view of its grim record of funding industrial schools, work laundries and other institutions where paedophilia thrived in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52968/13]
View answerThere is a rigorous and comprehensive system of reporting concerning incidents impinging on the health and well-being of children. While the primary statutory responsibility for child protection lies with the Health Service Executive, my Department's role is to provide guidance and support to schools in implementing child protection policy and to refer any allegations the Department receives to the appropriate authorities, the HSE and Garda, for investigation. If the Deputy is aware of circumstances in which my Department has failed to report such allegations, he should bring them to the attention of my Department.
