(1) The Minister may, in accordance with the prescribed requirements —
(a) furnish a person with information relating to the safety, welfare and well-being of a particular child or class of children; and
(b) direct a person to furnish the Minister with information relating to the safety, welfare and well-being of a particular child or class of children.
(2) A person to whom a direction is given under subsection (1)(b) shall comply promptly with the requirements of the direction.
(3) If information is furnished under subsection (1) —
(a) the furnishing of the information is not, in proceedings before a court, tribunal or committee, to be held to constitute a breach of professional etiquette or ethics or a departure from accepted standards of professional conduct;
(b) liability for defamation is not incurred because of the furnishing of the information; and
(c) the furnishing of the information does not constitute a ground for civil proceedings for malicious prosecution or for conspiracy.
(4) A reference under subsection (3) to information furnished under subsection (1) extends to information furnished in good faith and with reasonable care.
(5) A law in force in Saint Lucia that prohibits or restricts the disclosure of information does not operate to prevent the furnishing of information or affect a duty to furnish information, under this section.
(6) This section does not affect an obligation or power to provide information under this Act.
Division 6General