Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2015
347. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the announcement to appoint an official to co-ordinate the State's response to victims of sexual abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45776/14]
View answerI understand that the Deputy may be referring to a request made at a meeting with the Taoiseach, Minister for Education and I with Ms. Louise O'Keeffe late in 2014. During the meeting a number of matters were discussed including the need to ensure that all children have a trusted person to whom they can disclose any abuse which they may have been subject to. During the meeting, I outlined the existing arrangements which are in place under Child First National Guidelines regarding the reporting of abuse. I also outlined the statutory role of the Child and Family Agency under the Child Care Act 1991 and the new responsibilities regarding reporting that will arise from the Children First Bill. In addition, I outlined the very important provisions set out in the Bill regarding the receipt of child's disclosures of harm by mandated persons and the requirements to report such disclosures immediately. Notwithstanding those proposed provisions, I undertook to consider further the need for a "child-friendly" access point for a child to make a disclosure in circumstances where they are reluctant to disclosure to a parent or other trusted adult and in situations where a trusted adult may indeed be the abuser. I have asked the CEO of the Child and Family Agency to consider such matters in devising information and reporting arrangements for the children, parents, mandated persons and other reporters. In particular, I have asked him to consider the possibility of having specific child-oriented access points to ensure that every child has an easy, reliable and approachable point of contact which is well-recognised and appealing to children who find themselves in such circumstances.
