State urged to act on lessons of Mr A case

THE Government yesterday pledged to step up its efforts on child protection, but was warned not to forget recommendations drafted in the aftermath of last year’s constitutional crisis.

Junior Minister at the Department of Health and Children Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher said an All-Party Oireachtas Committee would be formed this year with the aim of looking at recommendations aimed at improving child protection.

In a speech at the launch of the Children At Risk in Ireland (CARI) annual report, Mr Gallagher said he was in favour of video links being used regarding the taking of evidence from alleged child abusers.