Children First Guidelines

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2015

Tuesday, 23 June 2015

Questions (515)

Finian McGrath

Question:

515. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that files on child protection held by schools are protected until the subject of the file is at least 25 years old and, if necessary, amend the Data Protection Acts to allow this to happen so the right to access of the subjects on whose behalf the file is created is recognised and to allow the subjects the opportunity to benefit from knowledge of the positive interventions made by schools on their behalf; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25104/15]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department has issued "Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools" based on the "Children First – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011" and which apply to all primary and post-primary schools. The purpose of the procedures is to give direction and guidance to school authorities in the implementation of Children First when dealing with allegations/suspicions of child abuse and neglect. The Deputy will be aware that The Children First Bill, 2014, which will put elements of the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011) on a statutory footing is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is envisaged that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will review and publish updated Children First Guidance on foot of the finalised legislation and other recent legislation relevant to child protection. This will also trigger some changes to the existing "Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools" and the issues raised by the Deputy in relation to the maintenance of records at school level can be considered in that context.