Concerns have been raised over child protection procedures within HSE West and North-West, which includes Leitrim and Roscommon. Senator Tom Clonan told the Seanad that clinicians in the region faced alleged intimidation after trying to report suspected child abuse to the authorities.
He claimed protected disclosures made last year have yet to be fully addressed and called for urgent action to safeguard children:
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Responding on behalf of the Minister for Health, local TD and Minister of State Frank Feighan, said the HSE has commissioned an extensive independent external review into counselling services. He said HSE policy makes clear that mandated staff can report child protection concerns directly to Tusla or Gardaí:
