Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 7

Written Answers. - Employment of Paedophiles.

Michael McDowell

Ceist:

186 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that two active and violent paedophiles were employed at a State school (details supplied) in County Dublin in each of the years from 1980 to 1985; if so, the steps, if any, she has taken to inquire how these people were recruited to child care positions; whether any investigation has been carried out in respect of the manner in which these persons carried out their functions in relation to the boys in their care; whether a counselling service is available to the boys detained in the institution in respect of their treatment by these persons; whether she has had arrangements made to ensure, by investigation or otherwise, that persons who have been dismissed, suspended or have resigned because of accusations of violent sexual abuse of young boys are not re-engaged in other child care positions in this State or in the United Kingdom; and the steps, if any, she will take to ensure that this situation will never be repeated. [20037/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I understand that the two people named by the Deputy were employed in the school in question during the period mentioned. I am aware that the first named person is currently before the courts on a number of charges relating to sexual abuse of children. However, I am not aware that any of the charges in question relate to abuse of children while placed in the care of the school in question. My Department has no knowledge of allegations of abuse relating to the second person named by the Deputy.

I understand that both persons mentioned were recruited to the school following standard interview procedures. Such procedures would involve the production of references from previous employers and receipt of Garda clearance. Records relating to the service of the first named individual while employed at the school have been provided to the gardaí as part of their inquiry into the allegations now before the court. In these circumstances, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this matter. My Department is inquiring into the service of the second named individual.

The arrangements in place to address the danger of re-employment of convicted sex offenders in positions which involve access to children were outlined to the House by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, in response to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 51 and 55 on 15 October 1996. Managements of all young offender centres are required to obtain garda clearance for all staff being considered for recruitment to the centres. Managements are also required to check reference of potential employees and to have adequate supervision mechanisms in place in respect of all staff working with children.

The Deputy may also be aware of the announcement by my colleague, the Minister for Health, of the establishment at national level and on a statutory basis of an inspectorate of social services. This inspectorate will be responsible for quality assurance in the area of child care practice. It is intended that the remit of the inspectorate will include the young offender centres.