ICCL has been contacted by members of the public who are concerned about and do not fully understand next week’s changes, indicating that the government’s ongoing media campaigns are not reaching a wide enough audience.

In its letter, ICCL said it is crucial that the various elements of the new approach – including the opt-out system and register, the elements of consent and choice, the role of designated family members, and the safeguards provided – are widely understood.

The organisation also called on the minister to ensure that new guidelines which are to be developed on designated family members be published as quickly as possible, coupled with a far-reaching information campaign in accessible English and other languages.

It is essential, ICCL said, that the public is informed about who to contact with questions and that their queries are answered promptly, while the organisation also called for a review of the new system within a defined timeframe to ensure it is fully understood.