Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

When the Minister and his colleagues come before the House and give commitments in regard to timescales, what value are Members on this side supposed to place on such commitments? On 16 December, the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, informed the House that this report would be submitted to the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in January. We were also informed that the issue would be addressed early in the new year. The fact that it is still at discussion stage between the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform does not indicate progress. Does the Minister accept that every day that passes on which this issue is not dealt with is a day that more children are put at risk?

I am aware of a recent incident where a school bus with one child left on board was involved in an accident. The driver flagged down a passing stranger and placed the child in their car to be driven home. That highlights the importance of having adequate and proper vetting procedures in place. When will we receive a real response from the Minister? When will legislation relevant to vetting be brought before the Dáil?

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