Ivan Yates
Ceist:121 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the current reporting system of therapists-abuse-incest therapy in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Child Abuse.
Following receipt of a report from a multi-disciplinary working party, I circulated extensively, in July 1987, a set of guidelines for dealing with the investigation and management of child abuse. I am arranging to have a copy of the guidelines sent to the Deputy.
The question of imposing a legal duty on certain professionals to report cases of child sexual abuse is one of a number of ideas put forward for consideration by the Law Reform Commission in their consultation paper on "Child Sexual Abuse" published last August.
The Commission have sought views and observations on the paper from a wide range of interests, including members of the medical and legal professions, social workers, child care workers and the statutory and voluntary agencies concerned with child care. I understand that the commission hope to submit their final report on the subject, including firm recommendations, to the Government before the end of the year.
I look forward to receiving their report and will consider the matter in the light of their final recommendation.