Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 3

Written Answers. - Clearance Certificates.

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Arrangements have been in place since 1994 whereby the Garda Síochána carries out clearance checks in respect of full-time prospective employees in the health care area who would have substantial access to children or vulnerable individuals. These arrangements do not extend to cover voluntary or community workers.

As I have stated previously, the Garda Commissioner, following a review of "clearance" arrangements, approved the establishment of a centralised unit to enable the Garda authorities to respond more effectively to requests for clearances.

Discussions are ongoing with the Department of Finance in relation to staff for the new unit and the question of extending the clearance scheme to additional categories of persons working with children is under consideration in this context.