Dr. Sarah Donnelly:

I thank Deputy Cullinane for the question. IASW acknowledges some continued disagreement across the sector about the introduction of mandatory reporting. In our view, those who are cautious about mandatory reporting often place disproportionate weight on the value of education, training and guidance as a means to encourage voluntary reporting, which we currently have. This approach, however, is not evidence informed. Following the Brandon case, intensive safeguarding training and education was provided in HSE CHO area 1. This and the availability of an adult safeguarding team did not prevent further failures to report concerns in HSE-run services, leading HIQA to publicly express a lack of confidence in the HSE's ability to run safe services in the area.

In addition, the members of IASW continue to encounter delays in timely reporting, which puts adults at further risk of harm, and failure to report concerns, including in settings where adult safeguarding education and training have been provided.

Social workers report that adult abuse or neglect continues to be minimised, overlooked or reframed as poor care despite safeguarding education. Our other primary motivation-----