A victim of sex abuse says allowing an alleged abuser to cross-examine their victim will stop people coming forward.

The proposal is contained in a draft document from Tusla, outlining new policy and procedures when dealing with victims of abuse. 

The draft document was published in today's Irish Examiner, and has been criticised by social workers.

The Child and Family Agency says it aims to ensure social workers are aware of their duty regarding fair procedures, and to ensure court cases do not fail because incorrect procedures were followed by staff.

In a statement, Tusla said a "working group comprising social work practitioners and managers has been set up to more closely examine the issues arising from the implementation of this policy. This work is near completion and any recommendations will be given careful consideration.”

Fiona Doyle, who suffered years of sexual abuse at the hands of her father, says it gives power back to the abuser.

Speaking on Newstalk Lunchtime this afternoon, she said "when a victim stands up and makes a complaint against their abuser, they are reclaiming their power, because they never had the choice as a child when it was being done to them".

She said the proposal would give an abuser "the chance to have power over their victims - which is something they've had for years," she added.

You can listen back to Fiona Doyle on Lunchtime below. She started by saying the proposal published today 'beggars belief':

The draft document has also been widely criticised by social workers.

Dónal O'Malley is chair of the Irish Association of Social Workers: