Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I am concise in what I am saying. There is a vetting system in place for all new appointments and all temporary appointments. I agree with the Deputy on the roll-out of vetting for existing staff. We have been in contact with the Garda vetting unit on that matter and we are trying to build up a capacity between our Department and that unit to ensure a vetting system is put in place in that particular area. All of that is co-ordinated by the Teaching Council when graduates make their initial application to teaching colleges. The next roll-out will involve the full-time and existing staff. That is being done by the Garda vetting unit in conjunction with advice from the implementation group on Garda vetting.

Regarding the constitutional amendment, and this is important, my colleague, the Minister for children and youth affairs, is the lead Minister on this issue. The Constitution, as it stands, inhibits the power of the Oireachtas to provide for the exchange of information between gardaí and social services and prospective employers. This matter is being handled by the constitutional committee, which has received approximately 144 submissions. We have decided to extend the committee's timeframe, until 30 November 2008, in which to complete its deliberations and make a recommendation to the House.

See this speech in context