Social workers could not be contacted
The study was disclosed by the One In Four sexual violence support group to the Joint Committee on Health and Children.
Over the course of one day, the support group attempted to contact 32 on-call social workers nationwide to raise fictitious concerns over possible children at risk.
The results show:
* Only 7% of social workers took details of the alleged offences.
* There was no reply from 10% of the numbers dialled.
* 12% of calls went on to voicemail.
* 7% of the listed numbers for the social workers were wrong.
* 7% were referred to another service.
* 7% were asked to call back.
* In 31% of cases no one was available to talk to.
Independent TD Paudge Conolly called the findings ‘disturbing’, and urged that the State’s system of vetting people for employment in childcare should include details of sexual offenders in Britain.
“There are 600 paedophiles in Northern Ireland and there is nothing to stop them moving across the border. We should be tied up with the UK system.”
One in Four is also calling for an amendment in The Children’s Act, which it says is entirely ineffective in cases of extra-familial abuse.
Colm O’Gorman, of One in Four, discussing the Ferns Report into more than 100 allegations of child abuse against Catholic priests in the Diocese of Ferns, told the joint committee: “There is a need to amend the constitution so that it recognises the unique status and vulnerability of the child.”
Members supported a referendum to change the current constitution for The Children’s Act.
The charity, which recently closed its waiting list due to escalating numbers of victims coming forward since the publication of the Fern’s Report, has highlighted the need for more resources and greater public awareness.
The committee heard it can take up to two years for a adult to receive help after reporting a case of sexual violence, with a child waiting between six months to a year for psychotherapy support.
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