A Coalition/Opposition split on mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse has emerged in responses to questionnaires sent to the parties by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
Candidates from Fianna Fail, the Progressive Democrats, the Green Party and the Workers' Party replied that they supported the introduction of mandatory reporting.
But Fine Gael, the Labour Party and Democratic Left all replied on behalf of their candidates opposing the introduction of mandatory reporting until the childcare services are further developed.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre says it will continue to press the next government for the introduction of mandatory reporting.