Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I do not doubt the Taoiseach's concern in this matter. I assure him that whatever action the Government is required to take to make this area as regulated as it should be will have the support of this side of the House. Deputy Enright raised the issue on a number of occasions that volunteers and those working with young people in sporting facilities and other areas are not vetted. Yesterday I raised the issue that in the context of any constitutional referendum being held on the rights of children, soft information should be made available. I instanced the third anniversary of the Huntley case in Britain where evidence was clearly available about that person being interviewed in respect of serious sexual assault on a number of occasions prior to a double murder taking place. I know the committee dealing with child protection is looking at the law but what concerns me is that the administration of practice be implemented in the best way possible. For example, the different agencies that should be brought together, such as the ISPCC and Barnardos, under the chairmanship of the Minister of State with responsibility for children should see to it that the political drive and the political will exists to ensure this area is as regulated as it should be because of the genuine concern expressed by so many parents. The Taoiseach will be aware that a different system operates on the Continent than applies in Great Britain and Northern Ireland and, as a consequence, here. My principal concern is with the UK and Northern Ireland. I do not have evidence of the numbers of paedophiles or convicted sex offenders who are in this jurisdiction, suffice to say that the information or material that was available to a now-resigned former member of the Bench was apparently appalling.

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