I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.
The establishment of a social services inspectorate is a priority for the Government. It has been decided to proceed with the inspectorate on an administrative basis initially and it will be located in the Department of Health and Children. Advertisements for positions in the inspectorate will be placed as soon as the detailed arrangements for its establishment have been approved.
The development of foster care services will be discussed with the health boards with a view to ensuring that foster care can be made available in all appropriate cases.
As I indicated yesterday, the appointment of an ombudsman for children has implications for a number of Departments dealing with issues relating to children and it will be necessary to clarify the departmental roles and responsibilities in this regard. In terms of the resources available to me in 1998, I have identified the establishment of a social services inspectorate as a top priority and, accordingly, I propose the establishment of the inspectorate immediately. However, I am committed to the introduction of an ombudsman for children in due course.
With regard to the establishment of an association for children in care, the health boards have been asked for their views on this matter and, while a formal response is awaited, it is understood there is no objection in principle. It is envisaged that it should be possible to have this association established during 1998. As I explained to the House last year, I am adopting a broad approach to the issue of improving the reporting of child abuse. The mandatory reporting of child abuse is a commitment in An Action Programme for the Millennium and it will be introduced in the lifetime of the Government. I regard it as essential that this is done in a way which will have wide support from the professions which will have to comply with the requirement and produce a reporting scheme which is efficient, effective and sensitive to the needs of children. I also consider that considerable additional investment in our childcare services will be required in advance of the introduction of mandatory reporting.
I have already announced my intention of continuing the progress of initiatives to strengthen arrangements for reporting of child abuse as outlined in the document, Putting Children First — Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Children. I am in the process of establishing a working group to review the 1987 and 1995 child abuse guidelines. I consider this a crucial first step in creating an environment which will help to facilitate the reporting of child abuse. We have seen enormous changes in regard to the level of awareness of child abuse in the last ten years and a considerable expansion of services to protect vulnerable children. Our knowledge of this complex area has increased and the time is opportune to review these guidelines.
The working group will have an independent chairperson and will include representatives of the following agencies: the Departments of Health and Children, Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Education and Science, health boards, the Garda Síochána, the children's rights alliances and the voluntary sector, the Irish College of General Practitioners, the Irish Association of Social Workers, the Resident Managers Association, IMPACT and the INTO. I will announce the membership of the group and its terms of reference next week.
Regarding a possible constitutional amendment to underpin the rights of the child, this matter has been referred to the all-party committee on the Constitution for its views.
