Criticism of child abuse mandatory reporting plans

Proposed laws on mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse must oblige people to inform both the gardaí and the HSE, according to an international child protection organisation.

One Child International criticised a recent report by the Oireachtas Justice Committee which recommended people should be able to report to the HSE, rather than the gardaí.

The Oireachtas committee came to its decision after holding a series of public consultations with organisations working in the area, many of which expressed concern over aspects of the proposed new law, including an obligation to report cases to both gardaí and HSE.