THERE is no "child centred argument" against mandatory reporting, according to ISPCC chief executive, Mr Cian O Tighearnaigh.
Outlining his submission to Mr Austin Currie, Mr O Tighearnaigh said mandatory reporting would break the silence" surrounding child abuse. He said that while the State had criticised the Catholic Church, the church had recommended its own system of mandatory reporting. He argued that ISPCC research indicated a massive level of under reporting, claiming that only 0.5 per cent of child abuse cases was entering the system.
Using the example of the US, Mr O Tighearnaigh said 150,000 cases were reported in 1963, the year mandatory reporting was introduced 60 per cent of these were substantiated. In 1992, 2.9 million cases were reported and 40 per cent of those were confirmed. Mr O Tighearnaigh rebutted the major arguments against mandatory reporting and called on Mr Currie to "show political leadership rather than count frightened heads or hands here".
Ms Madeleine Clarke, of Barnardos, said on balance the arguments for mandatory reporting outweighed those against. "It's introduction represents a clear unequivocal statement that the abuse and neglect of children should not be tolerated."
The other presentations at yesterday's forum did not conclude with a recommendation for the introduction of mandatory reporting.