Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has published updated child protection procedures for the country's schools.

The procedures will apply with immediate effect to both primary and post-primary schools.

Included in the new rules is a requirement for all primary schools to fully implement the Stay Safe Programme.

The new procedures are based on the 'Children First' guidelines for the protection and welfare of children which were published earlier this year.

Minister Quinn said they will be a significant step forward in helping to ensure robust child protection in all our schools.