Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004
102 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the vetting procedures in place for non-teaching staff employed in schools; if he plans improvements in this area, especially in view of the findings of the inquiry in Britain into the Soham murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19489/04]
View answer135 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the introduction of vetting procedures in primary and secondary schools for teachers and all other staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19439/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 135 together.
Ensuring the protection, health and welfare of children in schools is a key concern for me, parents, schools and society generally. At present, the central vetting unit of the Garda Síochána processes requests for clearance from my Department for bus escorts and special needs assistants provided to children with special educational needs and to staff working in children detention schools. However, other employees and volunteers working in the education sector are not covered and I am aware that schools have experienced difficulties having other prospective employees vetted.
A cross-governmental working group was established to consider proposals for reform of vetting by the central vetting unit run by the Garda Síochána. Its terms of reference included defining the type of organisation which should come within the ambit of the vetting process. The group was chaired by a chief superintendent and included officials from the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Health and Children and Education and Science and the Office of the Attorney General. The working group has submitted its final report to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Commissioner and I have been informed that it is being given full and careful consideration with a view to early implementation as appropriate.
Considerable work has been done by my Department on the preparation of a draft discussion paper. I intend to use this as the basis for discussion with the education partners once the working group's report becomes available. The issues involved do not relate only to my own Department and continuing co-operation between the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Health and Children and Education and Science will be required in bringing forward reforms.
