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Child Abuse Reports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 December 2018

Thursday, 13 December 2018

Ceisteanna (29)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

29. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of reports being prepared by the national review panel; the subject matter of each; the date on which each review was commenced; the anticipated date of publication of each report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52339/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Review Panel (NRP) is commissioned by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, but is functionally independent. Its purpose is to conduct reviews of child deaths and serious incidents and produce reports that are factually based and identify points of learning with a view to improving the quality of services provided to children and families. The panel consists of independent professionals from a range of disciplines who are engaged for their professional expertise. Reviews are carried out independently by the NRP. The panel has its own independent legal advisors and its Chair reports directly to the Chair of the Board of Tusla. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has no role in commissioning or overseeing these reports.

Completed reviews are submitted to the Chair of Tusla. The decision on whether and how much of the report is to be published rests with Tusla.

The focus of publication is to ensure that the reports are available to the public; the dissemination of learning to staff and to ensure that progress in relation to recommendations made are monitored and reported upon to the Board of Tusla. The decision to publish is underpinned by a number of principles including, transparency and accountability, the wishes of the family/individuals involved and consideration of the wishes and best interest of other children from the family who may be in care or living at home. A decision not to publish a report, or elements of it, is only taken where there are compelling reasons not to do. Such reasons might include ongoing legal/criminal proceedings or where it is considered that the report will adversely affect the well-being of those involved, most notably the family of the young person in question.

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