Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the question of vetting, the Government has put 40 extra staff into the vetting centre in Thurles. I understand that in this area the waiting time is approximately six weeks but it can take up to ten weeks. That is an ongoing issue. An extra 40 staff are employed in the area.

The Minister is examining the legislation. Some people have suggested that a passport, as it were, could be used across sectors. There are concerns that people could slip through the net if we move to such a system but the legislation is being examined at present to see what changes could be made that would facilitate a more streamlined approach.

On the issue of the colleges, my Department is meeting with the Data Protection Commissioner. There has been contact and the agency has been in discussions. Perhaps Ms McDonnell will say more on the issue.