Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
81 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress being made 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. [5195/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra92 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects that applicants for posts as school caretakers will be included in the Garda vetting system; his views on the non-availability of this vetting at present; the efforts he is making to ensure that appropriate vetting takes place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5230/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra100 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science when he expects that applicants for posts as special education needs organisers to be appointed under the National Council for Special Education will be included in the Garda vetting system; his views on the non-availability of this vetting at present; the efforts he is making to ensure that appropriate vetting takes place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5231/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 92 and 100 together.
The process of appointing persons to be special educational needs organisers, SENOs, within the National Council for Special Education is at an advanced stage. The competition is being run by the Civil Service Commission and standard Civil Service procedures in respect of Garda clearance apply. I have been informed that the commission has not experienced any difficulties in respect of clearance of SENOs by the Garda Síochána.
I am aware that schools have experienced difficulties having prospective employees vetted. A cross-governmental working group has been established to consider proposals for reform of vetting by the central vetting unit run by the Garda Síochána. Its terms of reference include defining the type of organisation which should come within the ambit of the vetting process. The group is chaired by a Garda chief superintendent and includes officials from the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Health and Children and Education and Science, with the Office of the Attorney General. It has met on eight occasions and I understand that it hopes to finalise its report within the next two weeks. Without wishing to prejudice the work of that group, it is clear that the issues involved relate to a number of Departments and continuing co-operation between them will be required in bringing forward reforms.
