Protecting children

THE failings of social workers assigned to the horrific Roscommon abuse and incest case were well documented in the official inquiry that followed public outcry over the prolonged suffering of the children involved.

But the equally valid question of who or what failed the social workers was not addressed. Now for the first time some of the key personnel have spoken out about their roles in the appalling saga and the obstacles they faced to bringing it to an end.

They describe a system of child protection that was overstretched and under-resourced, a network of professionals who were unsupported and unacknowledged and a hierarchy of management whose chief concern was controlling a controversy rather than solving the problems at its core.

They also tell of the damaging impact the publication of the inquiry report and subsequent political and public furore had on them personally and on the reputation and effectiveness of their profession.

Their testimony is worth paying attention to. Although it will not engender sympathy in all, as the plight of the children at the heart of this case still overrides everything, it should serve as a reminder that unless we support those who support and protect those who protect, children who rely on that support and protection are the ones who will ultimately suffer most.