The Joint Committee on Health and Children will today (June 26th) meet with teachers to discuss the Children First Bill.

Representatives from the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland, the Irish National Teacher's Organisation, the Teacher's Union of Ireland and the Irish Primary Principals Network will be given the opportunity to have their say on the Bill, the Journal reports.

Chairperson of the committee on health and children Jerry Buttimer said: "By the nature of their work, teachers deal with children and young people on a daily basis, so it is important that we get their perspectives on, and contribution to, the drafting of this legislation."

He noted this will help to provide safeguards that will protect youngsters against abuse and neglect.

The Bill will place an obligation on those working with children to report to the Health Service Executive any incidents of neglect, abuse or allegations of mistreatment.

Members of the public can view the discussion live from 14:30 IST in Committee Room One on the Houses of Oireachtas' website.

Written by Donal Walsh

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