Vol. 480 No. 2
199 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce legislation to make the reporting of child abuse mandatory; and if he will consult with those professions involved in the care of children who are opposed to mandatory reporting of child abuse before he takes decision on its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13973/97]
As indicated in An Action Programme for the Millennium, I regard mandatory reporting of child abuse as a priority for attention. I intend to examine this issue very carefully including a review of the outcome of the extensive consultation process which took place in regard to mandatory reporting during 1996. I will announce my intentions in this regard as soon as possible after this examination has been completed.
