Sir- If I correctly read Padraig O'Morain's report on proposed mandatory reporting of suspicions of child abuse, it would appear that nurses, social workers, teachers and doctors will have no discretion whether or not to report. It was also suggested that gardai or health boards could exercise discretion whether or not to investigate reports. Is this to be the case? We need to know. Nurses and social workers can presently enter most homes on an amicable basis. If mandatory reporting is introduced they may require an entry warrant. If Shatter's Bill comes to pass "health professionals" will be obliged to blow the whistle, while the "abuse referees" will decide whether a foul has taken place or not. Is this the game plan? - Yours etc., (DR) Denis G. Gill,
The Children's hospital,
Temple Street, Dublin 1.