Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The register of persons considered unsafe to work with children is an issue being considered by the North-South Ministerial Council. The development of the register will depend on what happens with the Council in the forthcoming period. The work has concentrated on developing procedures whereby convictions can be vetted through the vetting unit. The development of the register will give rise to a range of legal, policy, practical and implementation issues. We are not yet in a position to proceed with the North-South aspect of the register.

When I was asked last week about the alcohol products Bill, I said voluntary agreements had been reached with the alcohol and advertising industries. I informed the House that the Department of Health and Children had chosen to postpone the introduction of the legislation pending the outcome of the voluntary agreements.

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