Serious concerns have emerged regarding child protection procedures within the HSE West and North-West regions, covering areas including Leitrim and Roscommon. Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Tom Clonan alleged that clinicians working in these regions have been subjected to intimidation after attempting to report suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities.
Senator Clonan stated that protected disclosures submitted last year have not yet been fully addressed, prompting his call for immediate action to ensure the safety of children in the region. The Senator emphasized the necessity of protecting staff who come forward to report abuse.
Responding to the claims on behalf of the Minister for Health, Minister of State Frank Feighan confirmed that the HSE has commissioned an extensive independent external review into its counselling services. Minister Feighan reiterated that established HSE policy allows and encourages mandated staff to report child protection concerns directly to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, or to An Garda Síochána if necessary.