TIMELINE FOR COMMENCEMENT OF CHILDREN FIRST ACT NEEDED

Commenting on the failure to enact significant sections of the Children First Act, Labour Party spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs Jan O’Sullivan TD said:

“This week marks the one year anniversary of passage of the Children First Act, and on Sunday we celebrate the UN Universal Day of the Child.”

“I call on Minister Zappone to publish the timeline she has in place for commencement of the remaining sections of the law, to provide certainty both to those advocating for, and working with children.”

“We also need to know if TUSLA has sufficient resources to implement the provisions of the law.”

“Part’s 2 and most of Part 3 of the Act which cover mandatory reporting of child abuse, mandated assisting and the preparation of Child Safeguarding Statements by organisations providing relevant services to children, still have not been brought into force.”