Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 7, paragraph (a), between lines 43 and 44, to insert the following:"(v) in their individual capacity, engages in the provision of child-minding services for reward for any period of time, to include persons who engage in the provision of a nanny and/or au pair service or similar such service whether in their own home or in the home of their employer".

I appreciate that this amendment would place a large demand on the services of the national vetting bureau once it is established on a statutory basis. We are all moving in the same direction in terms of trying to enhance child protection. Under this amendment, any person in contractual childminding employment inside or outside the home, for example, as a nanny or au pair, should be vetted at some point. Given the fact that this would place a sizeable workload on the bureau, perhaps the Minister could consider phasing it in over a number of years. It is an aspect on which we believe a slight deficiency in the legislation creates exposure.

May I contribute on the other amendments?