I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department takes child protection very seriously and considers that the protection and welfare of children is a fundamental responsibility of all involved in the care and education of children.
In this regard, any concern or allegation of a child protection nature received by staff in my Department is dealt with in accordance with the Department’s Procedures for responding to Child Protection Concerns which come to the attention of staff employed by the Department of Education.
The child protection procedures for primary and post primary schools 2017 outlines the reporting procedures to be followed by all members of the school personnel should they have any child protection concerns by reporting such concerns to the Designated Liaison Person [ DLP ] in the school.
My officials are not aware of any plans by the Department of children Equality Disability Integration and Youth to review or update the list of mandated persons in the Children's First Act of 2015.