James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

This is a very serious issue which I have raised before, not only in respect of new employees. I am aware of a situation that occurred last year in which an ambulance company took over another private ambulance company and 12 of the 20 drivers did not have Garda clearance but they had been working for some considerable time. Vetting is very important, particularly in the mental health service. The Minister of State responsible for mental health, Deputy John Moloney, is present and I would like him to assure me everybody working in the mental health service has been vetted by the Garda because the patients are very vulnerable.

Given that we have heard the Central Mental Hospital is to come to Portrane, will the Minister of State, Deputy Moloney, meet the locals to allay any fears they have and keep them on side? It is a positive development and if the locals are kept in the loop, there will not be a problem.

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