Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. This is a difficult area and there is no monopoly of wisdom. My concern is exactly as articulated by Senators Ó Clochartaigh and van Turnhout, which is where individuals have got on with their lives and put their past behind them, it seems extremely unfair that some 20 years later the past might catch up with them. Of course that is a concern. On the other hand, however, we are trying to ensure as much protection as possible for children and vulnerable adults, so one would need the wisdom of Solomon to square this circle. At the end of the day, one has to make a judgment and we have done so. The fact that there is a conviction from 15 or 20 years earlier in one's life does not necessarily exclude a person from a particular position. It can be the judgment of those who are advertising the position that a person should be given the post.

For example, we would all know of some individuals who are doing extraordinarily valuable youth work in this country, but who may have had difficult teenage years. We all know of individuals who have been alcoholics or have been addicted to gambling, but who are now working in centres for individuals who suffer from those addictions. In fact, some of the best people working in those areas have gone through that trouble in their own lives and came out the other side. The very insight that has given them has meant that the work they are now doing is very valuable. They are not necessarily individuals who were ever convicted of anything.

However, in the youth area, I note some youth workers certainly were convicted during their teenage years. I refer to their experience in life, their changed personality and present position and note the irony is the fact they went through those difficulties has assisted them in getting these jobs. In this case, the convictions have not been the obstacle but in fact indicated a level of trouble, out of which they built, and that they now really have something to offer in, because they understand kids who are in that position today. Consequently, I cannot accept the Senator's amendment. However, I do not pretend this is an easy issue, as it is not and I have no doubt we will return to debate it further on the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill.