Safeguarding Children A 'Cross-Border Priority'

Sharing lessons learned on the protection and safeguarding of children is a cross border priority, according to Health Minister Edwin Poots.

The Minister made the announcement with Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

The two were addressing the first All Island Conference on child protection today.

'Improving Child Protection Practice: Making the most of Opportunities and Overcoming Challenges' was organised in co-operation by officials from both jurisdictions.

Minister Poots said: "It gives me great pleasure to open this All Island Child Protection Conference jointly with Minister Fitzgerald. I am certain that working together will assist to improve the outcomes for children in need and their families in a cross border context.

"This first All Island Child Protection Conference has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of our children and young people through improved learning and enhanced practice by our organisations and the professionals responsible for safeguarding our children.

"Our children’s welfare is paramount and it is only right that they receive the protection deserving to them. This conference is another step forward in helping both governments focus more closely on those children in greatest risk."

Minister Fitzgerald added: "I am delighted to be here for this All Island Conference as it provides a great opportunity for colleagues from the North and South to share experiences and learning with a view to further improving policy, legislative and service provision for the protection and safeguarding of our children into the future.

"As a society, our first task is keeping our children safe. It is only by understanding both the good and the bad that we can improve our system and our practice to prevent further harm and protect our children."

(IT/CD)