The ISPCC has hit out at the rules covering employment vetting procedures following the revelation that a taxi driver convicted of sexual assault last Friday was the man at the centre of the X-case.
The orgnaisation says all those who in the course of their work/activities have substantial access to children should be subject to checks.
They say the current vetting procedures in Ireland are limited to those intending to engage in work within the health boards and some other statutory bodies and that the checks aply only to convictions for child abuse.
In a statement, the children’s protection body said: "As a result of these limited vetting procedures many children are placed at serious risk. This situation is compounded by the fact that comprehensive vetting procedures have been introduced in Northern Ireland and the UK, potentially making Ireland an attractive employment option for those who are a risk to children".
The ISPCC expressed its dismay at the fact that the man convicted of the X-Case rape was granted a taxi licence, given the risk he presented to children.
The ISPCC also expressed its sympathy to the young girl who experienced the sexual assault and praised her courage in coming forward to report the incident and urged any young children or teenagers who have experienced similar incidents to come forward.