30 Samh 2011, 18:10
Presentations by a number of interested parties on the Criminal Justice (Withholding Information on Crimes against Children and Vulnerable Adults) Bill 2011 to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality provided a useful input into debate on the Bill.
Speaking after today’s meeting, Chairman of the Committee, Deputy David Stanton said: “Today, we received a valuable contribution on the Criminal Justice (Withholding Information on Crimes against Children and Vulnerable Adults) Bill 2011 from CARI, RCNI, One in Four and Paul McLoughlin.
All participants broadly welcomed the proposed legislation and expressed the view that the protection of children and vulnerable adults was paramount. Some concern was expressed over the lack of clarity on whether it was mandatory to report suspected abuse to the Gardaí as opposed to perhaps other agencies. It was mentioned that mandatory reporting to the Gardai involved the reporter in the Criminal System which could cause less reporting. It was also stressed that most abuse happens in a family setting and this places additional difficulties regarding reporting due to a conflict of loyalty. The non-criminalisation of children who fail to report was also welcomed.
It was certainly a worthwhile exercise and I would like to thank all of those who appeared before the Committee today for clear, thought-provoking and insightful presentations. We will definitely reflect on these contributions as we debate the Bill.”
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
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F: +3531 618 4551
Committee Membership
Deputies:
Dara Calleary, Michael Creed,Tom Hayes, Seán Kenny, Finian McGrath, Jonathan O’Brien, David Stanton (Chairman), Billy Timmins and Joanna Tuffy [Vice-Chairman]
Senators:
Ivana Bacik, Paul Bradford, Martin Conway, Rónán Mullen, Denis O’Donovan.