Séamus Hughes
Ceist:105 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Health whether there is a need to introduce legislation to provide for privilege on publication of reports prepared by a team of inquiry appointed by a health board. [6122/96]
Written Answers. - Privileges on Publication of Reports.
I am extremely concerned that legal difficulties are impeding the publication of reports of inquiries into child abuse cases. It has been my unequivocal position since I took up office that as much information as possible in relation to these reports should be put into the public domain. It has become increasingly clear that a change in the law is required to ensure that reports of this nature may be published without fear of legal proceedings. For this reason the Minister for Health and I have decided to establish an inspectorate of social services attached to the Department of Health.
It is proposed that this inspectorate will have responsibility,inter alia, for quality assurance and audit of child care practice. Moreover, it would be charged with undertaking inquiries on behalf of the Minister. It is our firm intention that the enabling legislation will provide for the privileged publication by the Minister of any report made to him by the proposed inspectorate.