Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, has welcomed a request for the Committee to examine the Heads of the Children First Bill. Deputy Buttimer was commenting following correspondence received from the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, TD.
“Minister Fitzgerald has informed me that she will be submitting a draft General Scheme and Heads of the Children First Bill to Government at the first meeting after Easter. This is the first formal step in putting the Children First Guidelines on a statutory footing, a crucial step in reforming our child protection system.
“The Minister will also seek Government approval to refer the Heads of the Bill to the Committee on Health and Children. I welcome the opportunity for the Committee to participate at an early stage in preparing this legislation which will transform our approach to child protection.
“Neglect and abuse of children is not a historic problem, unfortunately there are some children who are still subject to neglect and abuse in modern Ireland. Each year there are over 16,000 reported child welfare concerns and almost 13,000 child protection concerns. Of these 1,500 are confirmed cases of sexual, physical or emotional abuse. These children deserve a reformed approach to child protection.
“As a society we must change our approach. We must reform the system of State care and intervention. We must end the cycle of silence, where people did nothing and turned a blind eye. Collectively and individually we have responsibility to those children who are at risk, we must put in place systems and legislation which will change attitudes, which will put children first.
“I hope that by allowing the Committee to examine the Heads of Bill, it will facilitate a constructive input from across the political spectrum. This is an issue which is above politics; in the interest of vulnerable and at risk children we must work together to make sure that this legislation is as effective as possible.
“The Children First Bill is just one step to delivering a functioning child protection system that is fit for purpose. Putting right the problems in the system will take time, it will involve co-operation from all stakeholders. I am confident that the commitment of staff in child protection services, and that of the Minister, will deliver a coherent system that operates in the interest of children. I hope that the Committee can play its part in transforming our approach to child protection.”