The ISPCC has contacted Senators to call for what they perceive as shortcomings to be addressed in the proposed Children First legislation.

Senators will debate the bill in the Seanad today.

The national child protection and welfare charity says it is a landmark and long awaited piece of legislation which sets out clear obligations for organisations and individuals providing services to children.

However they warn that “it lacks a reasonable and proportionate system for overseeing compliance and for applying sanctions where breaches occur. There’s a real risk that this important law will be rendered meaningless as a result,” according to ISPCC CEO Grainia Long.

The ISPCC has briefed members of the Seanad on the bill and offered recommendations for alterations.

The changes include: “changes to ensure that all organisations are required to ensure their Safeguarding Statements are made available publicly; that the register of non-compliance is also an easily accessible public register; that organisations who fail to meet their obligations are fined and individuals who fail to report child protection risks also face sanctions,” according to an ISPCC statement.

“In 2014, 460,000 children called Childline, and many of those related to children at risk. This legislation could be a game-changer in changing our national culture, so that keeping children safe is recognised as everyone’s business,” Ms Long said.

She told Newstalk Breakfast she is hopeful it will be passed by September.