I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda inquiries in question will involve searches of criminal records held by the Force and, where appropriate, searches of criminal records held by other police forces.
I understand that the Minister for Health has recently issued directions to children's residential centres in relation to the recruitment and selection of staff. The directions include provisions requiring the employing authorities to undertake background checks on candidates' character, qualifications, work experience and general suitability.