Child protection referrals rise

IRELAND
Irish Independent

15 SEPTEMBER 2013

The number of referrals to child protection services in Ireland increased by nearly a quarter last year, it was revealed.

The rise has put a huge strain on services already under pressure, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny added.

It follows a series of critical reports which chronicled decades of abuse by the religious orders.

The Taoiseach said: “Child abuse hasn’t gone away. It doesn’t go away.

“It is the lingering dark stain on the rich fabric of our humanity.

“It is an evil which persists.”

Already increased awareness has resulted in a substantial increase in referrals to the child protection
services, up by nearly a quarter in 2012 alone.

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