ISPCC calls for more stringent vetting procedures

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) has called for more stringent measures in the vetting of people wishing to work with minors.

The campaign, entitled How do we know they're safe?, will aim to get as many signatures as possible from members of the public throughout the country before presenting a petition to the Dáil in October.

The move comes on the back of a recent report by the National Children's Advisory Council which called for harsher recruitment methods to be employed when hiring childcare workers.

Chief Executive of the ISPCC, Mr Paul Gilligan, cited disparities between Irish vetting procedures and those of the United Kingdom as areas for immediate attention.

"Vetting procedures in Ireland are grossly inadequate in comparison with the systems currently in operation in the UK," says Mr Gilligan. "The disparity between vetting procedures is concerning, particularly given the freedom of movement within the EU and between Ireland and the UK."

According to Mr Gilligan, there are currently two main vetting practices available to employers when assessing a candidate for childcare work.

The first requires the employer to request that the applicant apply for access to their personal details under the 'data protection system.' Despite this process being strictly voluntary on the part of the potential employee, it is now illegal under recent legislation for an employer to request such information.

The second procedure, an area in need of urgent attention according to Mr Gilligan, is that of Garda clearance or a background check. Though an employer is legally permitted to carry out a background check through the gardaí, it is often the case that the authorities will only provide such information to statutory organisations, due to lack of manpower.

The ISPCC is also calling for lists similar to those used in the north of Ireland and the UK, in which the names of people dismissed from previous employment, but not prosecuted after inappropriate behaviour around a child or children, are recorded.

Signature books, posters and postcards are to be distributed in shops and businesses around the country by the ISPCC in search of public support.