Vol. 457 No. 4
27 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health the number of child abuse cases reported in each health board area in the most recent year for which figures are available; the number of cases resulting in further action; if he has satisfied himself with the procedures adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15490/95]
Limerick East): I propose to circulate in the Official Report a table setting out details of the number of alleged cases of child abuse reported to each health board in 1993 and the number of such cases where abuse was confirmed. The total number of reports received by health boards in 1993 was 4,110 of which abuse was confirmed in 1,609 cases. Preliminary figures for 1994 indicate that over 4,600 reports were received but it will be some time yet before the number of cases of confirmed abuse is known.
As regards the detailed arrangements for pursuing allegations of child abuse, the procedures followed by the health boards are in accordance with the guidelines issued by my Department in 1987. In addition, I recently launched guidelines for the "Notification of Suspected cases of Child Abuse between Health Boards and Gardaí" which amend the 1987 guidelines in relation to the circumstances in which the health boards and the Garda are to notify suspected cases of child abuse to each other and in relation to the consultations that should take place between both agencies following a notification.
I am satisfied that all of the boards are taking steps to improve existing arrangements for the assessment and management of child abuse cases, with particular importance being attached to co-operation and co-ordination between the hospital and community care services of the health services.
|
1993 |
||
|
Health Board |
Reports Received |
Reports Confirmed |
|
Eastern |
1,376 |
552 |
|
Midland |
647 |
263 |
|
Mid-Western |
464 |
167 |
|
North-Eastern |
539 |
208 |
|
North-Western |
121 |
46 |
|
South-Eastern |
455 |
220 |
|
Southern |
248 |
82 |
|
Western |
260 |
71 |
|
Total |
4,110 |
1,609 |
