Vol. 553 No. 7
285 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if teachers, leaders, college assistants and owners of houses where children stay, have all been vetted according to child protection guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15248/02]
I assume the Deputy is referring to Irish Summer Colleges in the Gaeltacht. As the Deputy will be aware the Irish summer colleges, which recruit students, teachers, leaders and college assistants, are subject to approval by the Department of Education and Science and any matters regarding the criteria for such approval should be directed to that Department.
However, suitable accommodation is examined and registered by this Department for the students under scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge before the courses commence. Inspections are also carried out on households both by the Department and the college authorities during the courses. Since 1999 arrangements have also been in place requiring households approved under the scheme to have clearance from the Garda Síochána.
