Early in 1989 allegations of sexual abuse of a child were made against a worker employed in a children's home in south Dublin. The employee concerned was suspended from duty by the authorities of the home — a religious community — and the gardaí were notified. As the gardaí have not yet completed their inquiries into the matter, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment on this aspect of the question.
Towards the end of 1989 the authorities of the home decided to close the home and the children residing there were moved to other accommodation.
On the broader issue raised by the Deputy, I should explain that my Department have from time to time issued guidance on various matters to the managements of children's homes, e.g. staff recruitment, financing, review of placements in the homes and the supervision of admissions and discharges. Guidelines have also been issued to health boards and children's homes on procedures for the identification, investigation and management of all forms of child abuse.
Unlike the Garda investigations, the primary objective of these procedures is not the prosecution of the alleged offender but the early determination of the best course of action to protect and provide for the future well-being of the child concerned.