Child Protection Guidelines

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 March 2017

Wednesday, 29 March 2017

Questions (203)

Jim Daly

Question:

203. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 282 of 21 March 2017, the regulations and guidelines in place through her Department for teenage international students arriving here who live with a host family and attend secondary schools for an academic term or complete school year, without the presence of their parents or legal guardians within the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15581/17]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The issues raised by the Deputy relate primarily to matters (Garda vetting and schools) which come within the remit of the Departments of Justice and Equality and Education and Skills respectively. The welfare and protection of children and, in particular, vulnerable children, is everybody’s concern. Responsibility for children’s welfare arises in all settings where children are, and attaches to all responsible adults who come in contact with children.

Underpinning the welfare and protection of children is the Child Care Act 1991, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children {2011}, the Children First Act 2015 and, of course, our Constitution.

The Children First Guidance relates to recognising and reporting child welfare and protection concerns, and applies to the cohort of young people referred to by the Deputy, in the same way that it applies to all children and young people.