I am committed to the protection and welfare of children and believe that there is a moral duty on Government and on society to work together to protect children and to ensure their safety.
From my Department’s perspective Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has a statutory duty under the Child Care Act 1991 to promote the welfare of children who are not receiving adequate care and protection. Any child who resides in Ireland and who is not receiving adequate care and protection can be received into the care of the State if deemed to be the appropriate action required. Tusla is required under the 1991 Act to investigate allegations of abuse, including historical abuse, and to engage with An Garda Síochána where appropriate. Tusla has a key role in supporting some of the most vulnerable children and young people in State care. My Department provides funding for Tusla. In 2017 it has been allocated exchequer funding of €713 million, representing an increase of €37 million on 2016. Tusla provides a comprehensive range of services and supports for vulnerable children and families. These include child welfare and protection, including family support; educational welfare; pre-school inspection and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. These services and supports are provided by Social Workers, Educational Welfare Officers, and Early Years Inspectors.
The Deputy may be aware that my Department is leading a review of the Child Care Act 1991. This work is being progressed in close cooperation with Tusla. The review process will also involve consultation with stakeholders.
The Children First Act 2015 was signed into law on 19th November last year. With the removal of the common law defence of reasonable chastisement, children now enjoy the full protection of the law in relation to assault. This new legislation will also provide for mandated reporting of child protection concerns and will require organisations working with children to prepare Child Safeguarding Statements. I have approved phased preparations for implementation of the remaining provisions of the Act in the period up to end 2017. The legislation will operate side-by-side with the existing non-statutory obligations provided for in Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011. The Guidance is currently being revised and updated to take account of the new legislative obligations so as to provide in one place a comprehensive reference resource for individuals and organisations. A statutory Children First Inter-Departmental Implementation Group has been established to promote the importance of Children First compliance across Government and to ensure a consistent approach is adopted.
My Department has responsibility for the Oberstown Children Detention Campus and it has a range of procedural safeguards in place to ensure the safety and welfare of the children detained there.
The Deputy will of course be aware that there is a broad range of legislative protections for children across a range of Government Departments - Health, Education, Justice, Social Protection - which are embraced by the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures.
