Cross border agencies unite over child safety

Merging cross-border controls on child safety was today discussed at the first formal gathering of protection agencies from the Republic and Northern Ireland.

A draft action plan, which was developed by participants at the Dundalk seminar, will now be examined by both Governments.

The event was jointly organised by the Office of the Minister for Children in Dublin, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland, the NSPCC, ISPCC and cross-border branches of Barnardo’s.

The seminar focused on issues like safeguarding children on the island of Ireland, delivering cross border services, North-South systems and structures and the assessment and management of sex offenders.

Minister for Children Brian Lenihan said: “We all know that people who want to harm children are not deterred by borders and may indeed attempt to avoid detection by moving between jurisdictions.”

Barnardo’s chief Fergus Finlay pointed out that the protection of every child on this island needs to be top of any North/South agenda.

“Gaps that do exist, whether in policy or practice in either jurisdiction, need to be closed thereby reducing the risk of potential exploitation by those who would seek to harm children.

“A child on either side of the border should feel equally cared for and protected. NGOs and governments should develop better ways of working together to make that goal a reality.”

ISPCC chief Paul Gilligan said keeping children safe should be an all-Ireland priority.

“Having a congruous vetting system for those interacting with children is an absolute necessity in any strong child protection environment. Systems for the sharing of information need to be developed and strengthened if we are to ensure that those who are a risk to children do not exploit administrative loopholes.”

Mr Lenihan also highlighted progress in Garda vetting with the expanded service by the Central Garda Vetting Unit which will soon serve all personnel working in a full time, part-time or voluntary capacity with children and vulnerable adults.

He also said the Government is examining the idea of employment-related registers to provide information on those dismissed, suspended or moved from posts for harming children or vulnerable adults.

“We are also developing legislative proposals on vetting, which will address issues such as the disclosure of information on criminal investigations not leading to prosecution.

“All of this raises complex legal and constitutional questions and we are currently examining legal advice on the matter,” concluded the minister.