Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I, too, call for a debate on school buses. It is inevitable that there is concern when one hears of incidents such as that which occurred yesterday. Buses are passing the test but do not appear to be up to the desired standard. One must question the quality of the tests because there is now widespread concern over the safety of school buses. I listened to the Minister of State on the radio this morning and she was being as reassuring as she could be, but when an incident such as the one that occurred yesterday takes place, one must be very concerned.

I very much welcome the memorandum of agreement between our Government and that of the United Kingdom in respect of the list of sex offenders. A number of issues need to be explored in this regard, one of which has potential legal implications. I am referring to the Garda having and being able to make available information on potential sex offenders or people suspected of sex offences who have not been convicted. This is a very difficult area legally. It is being managed in the United Kingdom but appears to be subject to serious difficulties in Ireland. I ask the Leader to return to us on this matter. If there is a need to explore the legal issues, we are clearly the ones who should do so.

The Garda vetting office is in need of further resources and should therefore get them. Considering what is at stake, it is simply not acceptable that it would be short of such resources.