Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
370. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a requirement that all front-line staff in schools, including support staff, have received training in the area of Children First legislation and guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41272/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary statutory responsibility for child protection lies with the Child and Family Agency. The role of my Department is to provide guidance and support including training to schools in implementing child protection policy and to refer any allegations my Department receives to the Child and Family Agency or to An Garda Síochána where appropriate for investigation.
My Department has issued "Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools" based on the "Children First – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011" and which apply to all primary and post-primary schools. The purpose of the procedures is to give direction and guidance to school authorities in the implementation of the Children First guidelines when dealing with allegations/suspicions of child abuse and neglect. The procedures make very clear the reporting and investigation mechanisms to be followed in cases of suspected child abuse wherever they occur, and the lead role of the Child and Family Agency in this area.
It is the School Boards of Management's responsibility to ensure that all school personnel and board of management members have the necessary familiarity with the Child Protection Procedures for schools to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities under those procedures. The procedures for schools have envisaged that this will be achieved by the school developing a culture of awareness and knowledge of the procedures amongst all school personnel and, where considered appropriate, ensuring that external training is undertaken.
