Child Abuse Reports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018

Tuesday, 13 November 2018

Questions (522)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

522. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the expert quality assurance and oversight group to support and advise Tusla on the implementation of the recommendations of the HIQA statutory investigation into the way in which Tusla manages allegations of child sexual abuse has been established by her Department; when such a group was established; if it has not been established, the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46768/18]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Expert Assurance Group has been established. I appointed the chair of the group on the 29th of June and the full membership on the 23rd of August.

The group held its first meeting on 30th of August and has met three times so far. The membership of the group has expertise in governance, law, HR and child protection and comprises:

- Dr Moling Ryan, Chair

- Dr Helen Buckley, Fellow Emeritus at the School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin

- Mr Gerry Verschoyle, HR Consultant

- Mr Andrew Lowe, Public Policy Consultant

- Dr Conor O'Mahony, Lecturer in Law, University College Cork

- Ms Michele Clarke, Chief Social Worker, Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

The group will report to me each quarter, and these reports will be published. I expect the first such report at the end of November.