Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
223 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if volunteer play workers co-ordinated by Children in Hospital Ireland which, until September 2001, were vetted by the Garda central vetting unit, will as a result of the announcement of new staff in the unit again be vetted by the unit; when it can be expected that this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23815/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, Deputy Brian Lenihan, Minister of State with special responsibility for children, recently announced the provision of additional staff resources for the Garda central vetting unit. This will enable the Garda Síochána's vetting services to be extended to all persons working with children and vulnerable adults, be they full-time or part-time workers, students on placements or volunteers. Accordingly, I am pleased to state that volunteer play workers in hospitals are just one of the many groups which will be encompassed by the expansion in vetting services. The expansion will commence as soon as the necessary practical arrangements are in place and it will constitute a major step forward in child protection in this jurisdiction.
