Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Can I express disappointment with the Minister's reply, which seems to fly in the face of the facts as far as the vetting unit is concerned? I compliment those involved in the unit, in so far as their resources allow or facilitate them to undertake the duties they are statutorily required to undertake. Will the Minister comment on a recent report which suggested that up to 40,000 teachers are awaiting vetting, but cannot receive their vetting clearance because of inadequacies in the system? It is entirely unsustainable and intolerable in the context of the requirement for vetting. How can his Department stand over the reality that it will take up to four years to clear the backlog under the current regime?

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