Written Answers. - Kilkenny Rape Case.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:
274
Mr. Gilmore
asked the
Minister for Health
if the report from the South-Eastern Health Board into the failure of the health and social services in regard to the young woman at the centre of the recent Kilkenny rape case will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As I indicated to the House on the Adjournment on 3 March last, I have directed the South-Eastern Health Board to carry out an immediate investigation of the circumstances of this tragic case, in so far as the health services are concerned. The terms of reference of the investigation team are:
—to carry out an investigation, in so far as the health services are concerned, of the circumstances surrounding the abuse referred to in the case heard in the Central Criminal Court on 1 March 1993; in particular to establish why action to halt the abuse was not taken earlier, and
—to make recommendations for the future investigation and management by the health services of cases of suspected child abuse.
The investigation team appointed by the South-Eastern Health Board in response to my direction is headed by Catherine McGuinness, Senior Counsel, who is being assisted by:
—Martin Hynes, Programme Manager for Community Care Services, South-Eastern Health Board,
—Dr. Sheila Ryan, Director of Community Care and Medical Officer of Health, Midland Health Board, and
—Brid Clarke, Head Social Worker, Eastern Health Board.
I expect the investigation team to complete its task within four weeks and to report to me very shortly thereafter.
It is my intention to publish the findings and recommendations of the investigation team subject, of course, to the need to preserve the anonymity of the victim and the other parties concerned.
I am concerned to ensure that every measure possible is taken to prevent a recurrence of what happened in this case. Towards this end, I will be discussing the matter with the Chief Executive Officers of the eight Health Boards when I meet them this week. In particular I will be stressing the necessity to ensure that satisfactory arrangements are in place in their areas for the identification, investigation and management of child abuse cases.
In the light of these consultations and the results of the investigation being carried out by the South-Eastern Health Board, I shall be reporting to the Government at an early date with recommendations for the introduction of whatever new measures are necessary to improve existing services and procedures for dealing with child abuse, and for the care and protection of children generally.
