Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2017
379. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of allegations of child abuse received by Tusla in each of the years 2014 to 2016; the number of cases referred for prosecution; the number of cases that were deemed to be unfounded; and the number of cases of false reporting referred for prosecution under section 5 of the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998. [10787/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that Tusla has advised that the numbers of referrals of child abuse received by social work for the years 2014 to 2016 are as follows:
- 2014 = 18,676 referrals of child abuse received during the reporting year
- 2015 = 18,235 referrals of child abuse received during the reporting year
- 2016 = 14,174 referrals of child abuse received up to end of September 2016 (Data is reported quarterly in arrears).
It should be noted that more than one referral can be received in respect of one child or a particular issue relating to that child. The other information sought by the Deputy has been requested from the Child and Family Agency and I will respond directly to the Deputy when the information is received.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
Since my holding reply to your Parliamentary Question (10787/17) of 2 March 2017, I have received the following information from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
I have been informed by Tusla that information on the number of cases referred for prosecution; the number of cases that were deemed to be unfounded; and the number of cases of false reporting referred for prosecution under section 5 of the Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 is not available.
I can confirm that Tusla’s Policy for Responding to Allegation of Abuse Policy 2014 refers to steps to be taken when a complainant refuses to engage in the assessment. It outlines the responsibility of the Agency to advise the complainant that in all cases of suspected abuse the Gardai will be informed. This is in line with Children First 2011.
If, on investigation by the Gardaí, they determine a crime may have been committed the Gardai hold the responsibility to progress such matters.
I trust that this information is helpful.
