Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 May 2018
295. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if discussions have taken place in terms of synchronising or streamlining the contact between the differing number of Garda and Tusla divisions in relation to dealing with cases of child abuse in view of the recommendation by the Garda Síochána Inspectorate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23653/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the time of publication of the Garda Inspectorate's follow up report "Responding to Child Sexual Abuse" in December 2017, a revised protocol between Tusla and An Garda Síochána was at draft stage, pending formal agreement.
I am pleased to advise that the Children First Joint Working Protocol for An Garda Síochána/Tusla - Child and Family Agency Liaison was published earlier this year to reflect the provisions in the new Children First Act 2015 and is available online at www.garda.ie and www.tusla.ie. Section 10 of the protocol outlines the structures and arrangements for liaison between An Garda Síochána and Tusla at Local Area office and Garda district levels as well as the national structures that are in place.
I can also advise the Deputy that in accordance with the Government's decision dated 27 February 2018, an independently Chaired inter-agency Implementation Group has been established to oversee the implementation of recommendations in the Garda Inspectorate's 2017 report. Members of the Implementation Group include senior officials from my Department, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, Department of Communications, Climate and Environment, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Tusla and An Garda Síochána. It is anticipated that the Implementation Group will operate for an initial period of 12 months from the date of its first meeting in mid-June 2018 and will report on a quarterly basis to the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Services.
