asked the Minister for Health the procedures which have been followed by the Southern Health Board in dealing with complaints of child abuse either (1) sexual or (2) other nature; if there has been any recent change in such procedures; if so, the nature of such changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Child Abuse Complaints.
169.
In dealing with alleged cases of child abuse, whether physical, sexual or otherwise, the Southern Health Board, in common with the other health boards, act in accordance with the standard guidelines issued by my Department on the investigation and management of child abuse. I am arranging to have a copy of the guidelines sent to the Deputy. In addition, the board have available to them the professional advice of medical and social work personnel and of their legal adviser.
In the light of a judgment of the Supreme Court in July 1989 in a case involving the Midland Health Board [The State (D) v. G and Ors], all of the health boards have been advised by my Department to review their procedures for dealing with cases of alleged child abuse. I understand that the Southern Health Board are in consultation with their legal advisers and that there are likely to be some changes in the manner in which evidence is prepared and presented in future court proceedings.
I should add that in 1988 and 1989 I have allocated a special sum of £140,000 from the national lottery to the Southern Health Board to enable them to improve their existing services for the assessment of reported cases of alleged child sexual abuse. The additional £140,000 I have allocated to the board has been used by the board to establish a special assessment unit in St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork.