Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 2

Written Answers. - Child Abuse.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

129 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the recently published figures which show that between the years from 1992 to 1996 only seven cases of cruelty or neglect of children were reported to or known to the Garda, while in 1995 alone some 2,276 reports of child abuse were confirmed; his views on this huge discrepancy; the steps, if any, he will take to ensure cases are adequately dealt with through the criminal justice system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2216/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Fahey)

The 2,276 reports of confirmed child abuse in 1995 are cases which are confirmed to the satisfaction of the health boards in pursuance of their statutory role to identify children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. It would not always be possible or appropriate to initiate criminal proceedings in each of these cases.

New procedures governing the notification of suspected cases of child abuse between health boards and the Garda were introduced in April 1995. These procedures amend the 1987 child abuse guidelines and under them the health boards and the Garda are required to notify suspected cases of child abuse to each other.

The issues of statistics held by the Garda and the operation of the criminal justice system are matters for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.