James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue for Tusla is to receive information on adults against whom an allegation was made to protect children. Adults who suffered abuse when they were younger are dealt with by the HSE through its counselling services. The services available include primary care services, a person's GP and, if necessary, referral to the mental health services. From that point onwards it is a separate issue but it is also the same, if the Deputy knows what I mean, in the sense that under Children First people will be mandated to inform Tusla. There are adults who are suffering because of events that occurred in the past. We have to protect children. We also have to satisfy ourselves, through Tusla, that anybody reported as being an abuser by an a adult - if this is not too convoluted - is not a risk to children. That is the responsibility of Tusla. On services for adults, that is a matter for the HSE, mental health and support services.