Children First, the National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children provide support and guidance in recognising and responding to possible child abuse. The guidelines are aimed at health professionals, teachers, members of An Garda Síochána and any other persons/ organisations involved in providing services to children. This includes those involved in sporting, community and voluntary organisations. A revised version of the Children First guidelines will be published in the near future.
The Department of Education and Science has devised Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures for primary and post-primary schools. These Guidelines and Procedures are based on the Children First guidelines and give direction and guidance to school management and staff in dealing with allegations or suspicions of child abuse, with the protection and well-being of the child being the most important consideration. The Guidelines and Procedures set out the steps to be taken by school management and staff in dealing with suspicions or allegations of child abuse. I have requested the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy regarding the procedures followed after a report is made to the HSE.