This report reviews specific national and international legal developments for the protection of children in Ireland; examines the scope and application of specific existing or proposed legislative provisions and to make comments/recommendations as appropriate; and reports on specific developments in legislation or litigation in relevant jurisdictions.
Chapter 1 of the report provides an examination and discussion of the findings of reports of national and international bodies published during 2019 in relation to child protection in Ireland.
Chapter 2 considers section 3 of the Child Care Act 1991 and the law and policy governing the investigation of complaints of child sexual abuse.
Chapter 3 considers section 4 of the Child Care Act 1991, which governs voluntary care agreements (under which children can be placed in the care of Tusla with the consent of their parent(s)).
Chapter 4 examines the legal provisions governing the ascertainment of the views of children in child care proceedings.
Chapter 5 considers developments in international law and in national court decisions during 2019.
