Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I agree with Deputy Kenny that we are dealing with children who have been the victims of very serious crimes that have stolen their childhood and innocence. That is the reason it is serious and urgent and the reason all the legal expertise available to the Government is being marshalled to have appropriate legislation put in place. I acknowledge the co-operation of the Opposition parties in that process. As Deputies are aware we will have legislation later today. The Government will meet to finalise that legislation later this morning and it will be communicated to the Opposition parties and dealt with in the House tomorrow.

In respect of those convicted solely on the basis of section 1(1) I think there were seven cases. Obviously, given the decision in respect of Mr. A, that leaves six cases. There is, I understand, the possibility of another case but that has not yet been confirmed. In regard to section 2(1), the Irish Prison Service is going through its documentation and has informed me it will have that information later today. That information is not yet to hand. It has to go through all the convictions to ascertain how many are being detained solely on the basis of section 2(1) but we will have that information later today.

There is no question of anybody being able to work with children. There is a Garda vetting unit which has been greatly strengthened. There is no question of anybody who may be released under these circumstances being able to work with children.

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