Tusla is implementing a new procedure to be in place by June of this year.

The staff of Tusla are already in training for this new regulation which basically states that if someone makes an accusation of abuse including sexual abuse they must face the alleged abuser and answer questions directly to them. This is victimising the victim all over again.

This new child abuse substantiation procedure (CASP) is overly weighted in favour of the rights of the alleged abuser.

This will put undue stress on victims of abuse and leave them open to direct intimidation and manipulation.

This is not good enough. It cannot be allowed. It will impact victims of abuse and leave them open to more victimisation which in turn will cause higher levels of mental health issues including possible suicide due to the trauma they feel they cannot escape from.

This must be stopped before it becomes a reality.