The ISPCC has called for Garda vetting of adults involved in running summer camps and courses.
The ISPCC Chief Executive, Mr Paul Gilligan, said yesterday Garda vetting was only available to health boards and did not apply to voluntary agencies, sports or youth organisations.
"The bottom line is that anybody who has access to children should have Garda clearance. This should include voluntary workers and those involved in community based projects," he said. All officials and volunteers at the Special Olympics received Garda vetting and that was a very positive move, Mr Gilligan said.
The ISPCC in a statement urged parents to be vigilant regarding the activities of their children over the summer and to be careful about the type of camps and courses they allow their children to participate in.
The ISPCC said it was seeking Garda vetting for those involved in summer camps and courses as part of its Public Petition Campaign on Vetting which is being launched in July.
"In general summer camps and courses are run and supervised to a high standard. However, the ISPCC reminds parents that this area is completely unregulated and like many other areas personnel involved in running summer camps are not subject to Garda vetting," it said.
A booklet called Have Fun and Be Safe issued by the ISPCC outlines what to check for when choosing activities for children. Last month, it was revealed that a report drawn up by the National Children's Advisory Council recommended that teachers and all others who work with children should be vetted by the Garda before taking up posts.