Bill allows vetting to identify those unsuitable to work with children

A STATUTORY basis for vetting people to identify those unsuitable for working with children will be provided for in draft legislation to be brought to Government by the end of January.

Minister of State for Children Barry Andrews expects to present the heads of a Bill to Government at that stage, according to his spokeswoman.

“The Minister expects to be bringing the heads of a Bill to the Government by the end of January, to provide a statutory basis for the vetting of persons to identify those unsuitable to work with children,” she said.

When the Murphy Commission of Investigation’s report into the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin was released in November, Mr Andrews said work was well under way on preparing legislation.

He said this would provide a statutory framework to allow bodies to share information regarding deviant sexual behaviour of individuals to the relevant authorities in the State.

The heads of the Bill were prepared by Mr Andrew’s office in consultation with the Department of Justice.

The exchange of so-called ‘‘soft’’ information is understood to be an important aspect of the proposed legislation.

This relates to information available to authorities about individuals who have not been charged with or convicted of criminal offences.

An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive (HSE) have been consulted on the proposed legislation.

It will take account of the right to a good name and the right to equality before the law.

It will also take account of the right to privacy and the right to earn a livelihood.

It will address the right to fair procedures and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr Andrews has said successive governments have failed in their responsibilities as legislators to put in place comprehensive child protection laws.

“Where there still remains a gap in child welfare protection legislation, the Government will take the necessary steps to put the appropriate legislation in place,” he has said.