PRESS RELEASE

DECEMBER 7^TH, 2017

ONE IN FOUR WELCOMES DR GEOFFREY SHANNON’S FINDINGS RE CHILD PROTECTION IN HIS REPORT ON CHILDREN TO THE OIREACHTAS

One in Four today welcomes the publication of the Special Rapporteur on Children’s Report to the Oireachtas.  Dr Shannon’s Report is a wide ranging review of the legal and administrative issues that affect children’s lives.  While the Report shows that there have been very positive developments in many areas, he also finds that many of his previous recommendations have not been implemented and he makes many sensible and practical proposals that would bring Ireland into line with international best practice.

One in Four especially welcomes Dr Shannon’s review of the Tusla child protection system.

Executive Director Maeve Lewis  says:  “Geoffrey Shannon makes several observations which mirror the experiences of One in Four clients, all of whom are adults who were sexually abused as children,  in engaging with Tusla. 

• He acknowledges that child protection concerns, even if they refer to incidents that took place some time ago, must be investigated promptly as the alleged abuser may still pose a risk to children.  He highlights delays in investigating retrospective allegations in the current system. 
• He raises concerns about the likely increase in notifications to Tusla once mandatory reporting by professionals commences and the capacity of Tusla to deal with these. He proposes that additional resources must be made available to child protection services.  
• He also recommends a review of current Tusla policies and procedures in investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect.  He points out that the current protocols may not meet the requirements of natural justice for the accused person.”

Maeve Lewis ends: “Geoffrey Shannon’s work provides an invaluable insight into the ways in which children are both supported and let down by legislation and statutory processes in Ireland.  We call on the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, and the Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan to take immediate steps to implement his recommendations. “

ENDS

For comment:   Maeve Lewis Executive Director 087 7584080

                                Deirdre Kenny Advocacy Director 087 2721694