Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am still not quite sure of the purpose of the amendment. We are discussing the vetting of people who will be employed to look after children. The amendment does not specify that it excludes convictions for child abuse, paedophilia or anything of this nature. Perhaps I have misinterpreted the amendment. I am interested to hear the Minister's views on it. I agree with the overall principle of spent convictions. It is right that if somebody has served his or her sentence according to the law then he or she is free of any other charges.

In the context of this Bill, however, I am not sure that that should extend to convictions for child-related crimes. I am curious to know the Minister's view.