Mr. Cormac Quinlan:

There is also a provision under the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 which protects people from liability in the context of reporting concerns relating to child protection matters. I stress that Tusla is dependent on individuals bringing child protection matters to us, every single day. That is how we receive information. It is important that people feel confident they can report these matters to us because that allows us to act to protect children there and then in relation to their safety needs. It is important that people see their obligation in that regard. Everyone in our society holds that obligation,. While professionals hold certain additional obligations, everyone has an obligation if we want to truly protect children. Regulations can certainly safeguard children, but individuals acting in a protective manner is what keeps children safe from harm.