Govt to take child protection role away from HSE
The HSE is to be stripped of its role on child protection and a new agency established to take on the duties.
Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald also said she wants to see a referendum on the rights of the child held this year.
Frances Fitzgerald today announced a consultation with young people to develop a five-year strategy for children from next year.
It will be carried out in all primary and secondary schools and youth reach centres next week.
The Minister for children said the country has been "shamed" by what has been done in abuse and neglect resulting in some childhoods "defined by torture and terror".
But she said a new dedicated executive agency working with her department to look after the care and welfare of children is needed, removing the role from the HSE.
Minister Fitzgerald said work will take place over the coming months to see how soon it can be done, but it is necessary to have a "new start" as soon as possible.
She also says she needs to examine the wording of a children's referendum, but believes it should take place this year.
