The ISPCC has called on the Government to introduce adequate vetting procedures for all people who work with children.
Speaking at the launch of the 'How Can We Be Sure They're Safe' Campaign, ISPCC chief executive Paul Gilligan said that vetting procedures in Ireland are grossly inadequate in comparison with the systems in the UK.
The ISPCC is organising petitions around the country, and hopes to present the Government with thousands of signatures when the Dáil resumes in the autumn.
The campaign has also been supported by the NSPCC in Northern Ireland, which said its own systems are being weakened by the lack of vetting procedures across the border.
The Minister for State at the Department of Health and Children, Brian Lenihan, has said that a working group has recently been established to consider the enhancement of vetting procedures.
