Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
451. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he can provide assurances that Youthreach staff and their employers and boards of management are not in breach of legislation in circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58711/21]
View answerThe concept of a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is not provided for in the legislation, but rather is a recommendation of Tusla in Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children in relation to public and private organisations providing services to children. There is no requirement for the DLP to be a mandated person under the Children First Act, 2015. Therefore, the appointment of a DLP is not confined to schools or to teachers registered with the Teaching Council or indeed to mandated persons under the Act. The DLP is a resource to any staff member who has a child protection or welfare concern and is responsible for ensuring that organisational reporting procedures are followed correctly and promptly and acting as a liaison person with other agencies.
