The Irish National Teachers Organisation says more training and resources are needed to help teachers report allegations of child abuse.
A survey shows that a quarter of primary schools have reported such allegations to the HSE - but just over 60% of them say the support provided to them in return is lacking.
And less than half of teachers who are responsible for reporting allegations of child abuse have had no training.
Assistant General Secretary of the INTO, Tom O'Sullivan, says whilst the emphasis is often placed on sexual abuse, issues of neglect and physical abuse need to be a priority too.
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