Child Abuse
Seanad Éireann — 2026-07-08
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Frankie Feighan (FG), Sligo-Leitrim

Again, I thank the Senator for his comments. He raised some serious and important questions, which he wants answers to. While the Department of Children, Disability and Equality holds overall responsibility for the legislative and policy framework under which child protection and welfare services are delivered, monitored, inspected and measured, it is the responsibility of all Departments to ensure children and young people are kept safe while accessing services provided or funded by each Department.
The Senator said this is in the constituency I represent. If he wishes, he can pass the files to me and I will follow it up. This is of a serious nature. It is also the responsibility of all Departments to ensure all staff in the Department and relevant sectors and agencies under their remit are aware of and comply with their obligations under this guidance and relevant legislation.
Again, above all, the safety and welfare of children must remain the overriding consideration, as the Senator said, in all circumstances. The Government expects full adherence to statutory child safeguarding obligations that exist to protect vulnerable young children. These are serious questions and I am happy to assist.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-07-08/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:10+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-08