The detailed information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department. Arrangements for the collation of statistical data from the health boards relating to the reporting and investigation of alleged child abuse and neglect, including child sexual abuse, are currently being reviewed by my Department in the context of obtaining more comprehensive information from the boards regarding the incidence and outcome of cases. This process has of necessity given rise to some delay in the compilation of information in respect of the past two years.
The dramatic increase in recent years in the number of suspected cases of child abuse, particularly child sexual abuse, being reported to the health boards is a matter of grave concern to all of us. I am committed to ensuring, as far as is humanly possible, that children are protected from abuse of all kinds. I want to reiterate that the full and proper implementation of the Child Care Act, 1991, is the single most important contribution that can be made towards promoting the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. This is fully recognised by the Government which is committed to bringing the Act into operation in its entirety by the end of 1996.
The next phase in the programme for the implementation of the Act involves the commencement of Parts III, IV, V and VI which deal respectively with the protection of children in emergencies, care proceedings and the powers and duties of health boards in relation to children in their care. These provisions will strengthen the powers of the health boards, the Garda and the courts to intervene in cases of child abuse and neglect.