Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
1010. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she has received all outstanding reports from the previous special rapporteur on child protection; when these reports will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39861/26]
View answerThe Special Rapporteur on Child Protection plays an important role in examining and reporting to Government on legal, legislative and litigation-related matters in respect of child protection.
The annual reports of the Special Rapporteur provide important input to the development and review of child protection policy and legislation as well as an objective and independent expert view of the child protection system in Ireland. The reports have been influential in informing policy responses across Government to improve the lives of children and young people.
Department officials have been engaging with the former Special Rapporteur on the matter of the submission of the annual reports following the completion of the rapporteur’s term of office on the 31 January 2026.
The Department received the final 2023/2024 Annual Report from the former Special Rapporteur on Child Protection on 21 May 2026. This report covers the period from February 2023 to January 2024 and also includes her observations on developments between July 2022 and January 2023, before her term of office commenced. The Department also received the final 2024/2025 Annual Report on 23 May 2026, which covers the period from February 2024 to January 2025.
The former Special Rapporteur has indicated that she expects to submit a draft of the 2025/2026 report will be delivered by the end of May 2026.
Once formally submitted to the Minister, an advance copy of each report is shared with Government Departments, on a confidential basis, so that they may consider the report and engage with relevant findings. The Department will then submit the report to Cabinet for approval to publish. Upon approval, it will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and published on the Department’s website.
I was pleased to announce last week the appointment by the Government of Dr. Aisling Parkes as Special Rapporteur on Child Protection for a two-year term until 19 May 2028.
