Child Abuse

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2018

Tuesday, 25 September 2018

Ceisteanna (437, 439)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

437. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if an organisation (details supplied) operates independently of or in tandem with Tusla. [38679/18]

Clare Daly

Ceist:

439. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason second opinions in regard to findings in relation to allegations of child sexual abuse by an organisation (details supplied) are not facilitated by Tusla. [38682/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 439 together.

I can inform the Deputy that St Clare’s Unit operates independently of Tusla.

I am informed by Tusla that if social workers are seeking a second opinion in relation to findings of an assessment completed by an organisation such as St Clare’s, it is generally Tusla practice to seek a second opinion from a similar organisation, such as St Louise’s Unit. This is done to ensure the second opinion is independent and the assessment process follows the same format.