Fears new laws ‘will swamp Tusla’

GARDAí are concerned the mandatory reporting of child abuse will swamp Tusla, the Child and Family Agency with referrals.

The new laws mean anyone working with children must report any suspicions to gardaí and social services.

A source told the Irish Mail On Sunday the ‘already overstretched’ agency will not be able to cope with a rise in referrals.

‘This has been rushed through and there simply aren’t the resources to cope with what is about to come their way,’ said gardaí.

‘The gardaí work with Tusla every day and they are already under serious pressure.’

However, Tusla insisted it was properly resourced to deal with the changes.

A spokesman said: ‘The impact of mandatory reporting is not known although international experience points to an increase in reports. In anticipation of this, Tusla has created 17 contact points to receive reports.’