9 October 2006
CHILD PROTECTION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Environment Minister David Cairns has stressed the important role local government plays in the lives of our children.
The Minister was speaking at today's seminar at Greenmount College aimed at raising awareness of the importance of child protection for local government. He addressed civic leaders and senior representatives of district councils and government departments involved in child protection.
David Cairns stressed the Government's determination to improve child protection systems, and to work with local government to strengthen current arrangements. He said: "Local government has a major contribution to make to protecting, as well as safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children through the services it provides directly or indirectly for them.
"The Government is determined to ensure the best outcomes for children in Northern Ireland and have set out a range of policy developments designed to safeguard our children. Many of these will have implications for local government.
"Stopping unsuitable individuals from getting access to children through positions of responsibility is extremely important and the Government has included Northern Ireland in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill. This will see statutory regulation extended into a wide range of settings and activities in local government, bringing substantial new safeguards to situations where children are in positions of trust with adults."
The Minister stressed that central government would work with local government and the voluntary sector to improve child protection in Northern Ireland.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Northern Ireland assisted with the organisation of the seminar and Martin Crummey, the Acting Director said: "Local government plays an important role in the safeguarding and protection of children. We welcome this seminar and the focus Government is giving this important issue. New responsibilities for local government and the move to a regional safeguarding board give us the opportunity to ensure we have the best arrangements in place that will protect children in the many ways in which they have contact with council services."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The Child Protection Coordination Group, made up of representatives from DOE, OFMDFM, DHSSPS and NSPCC arranged the seminar to raise awareness of child protection in local government.
2. Approximately 100 delegates represented 26 district councils.
3. The Government has announced a range of measures to protect and safeguard children in Northern Ireland, including the appointment of a Children's Minister (Maria Eagle) and has introduced improved co-ordination arrangements within central government.
4. For News media enquiries contact DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003.
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