It is necessary to tell a person who admits an offence against a child or young person that such information cannot be kept confidential. If the allegation does not relate to Church personnel you must refer the matter to Tusla/HSCT, and An Garda Síochána/PSNI. You can consult with the DLP of your Church body anonymously regarding the allegation and for advice on what procedure to follow. If the allegation relates to Church personnel you should refer this to the DLP of the respondent’s Church body who will follow the procedures for referral to Tusla/HSCT, and An Garda Síochána/ PSNI, and the Church authority.

If the allegation relates to the sexual abuse of a child by a cleric the Church authority must also inform the CDF.

If you are in the Republic of Ireland and are a Mandated Person (Guidance 2.35) this will take the form of a joint report. For additional information and guidance on how to interact with respondents (cleric and religious), please refer to Standard 4.

This is in line with national legislation and policy as outlined in 2.2