Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 8

Written Answers. - Garda Clearance.

Liz O'Donnell

Ceist:

43 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice the way in which Garda clearance is obtained on all staff being considered for appointment to children's residential centres or to recruitment of staff for an area of the health services where they would have substantial access to children or vulnerable individuals; the procedures which operate in the Garda for such clearance; the section in the Garda that handles such clearance or vetting for criminality or alleged criminality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18934/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

Arrangements are in place whereby employers may, with the consent of a candidate for employment in a children's residential centre or other area of the health service where she-he would have substantial access to children or vulnerable individuals, obtain from the Crime and Security Branch, Garda Headquarters, a statement of the criminal convictions, if any, recorded in respect of such a candidate. I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 130 on 15 November 1994 in so far as the relevant Garda procedures are concerned.