Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I already told Deputy Kenny we will make copies available of the Advantica report. The charities regulation Bill is very substantial and difficult legislation because many old regulations are involved, dating back hundreds of years on subjects such as charitable bequests, trusts and funds. However, it is advancing and much progress has been made this year.

I replied to a question a few weeks ago to the effect that I had been trying to progress the register of persons considered unsafe to work with children Bill. The Department of Education and Science and the Department of Health and Children are in discussion on the establishment of a pre-employment consultancy office. The legislation arises out of the North-South Ministerial Council and we are trying to find a mechanism whereby we can make progress. I raised it when I was in the North and while we have not yet found a solution, we are trying to make progress on the lines we originally intended. I hope to have some news on it shortly.

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