Children First Bill makes reporting of child abuse mandatory
The Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald has published landmark legislation making the reporting of child abuse mandatory for named professions.
Under the Children First Bill, clergy members, teachers, gardaí and medical practitioners will be legally obliged to report any suspicions of abuse or neglect they may have.
Ms Fitzgerald says the Government will look at funding cuts to organisations who fail to fully implement the measures.
Minister Fitzgerald says the legislation is a huge step forward for child protection.
