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

First, I will deal with the amendment, which I am unable to accept as it would contravene the provisions of a range of existing Acts. In this context, it should be borne in mind that all of the organisations listed in Schedule 2 have a statutory power provided by the Oireachtas to conduct inquiries into child safety matters, or inquiries into the fitness to practice of persons engaged in certain professions. The conduct of investigations or inquiries by those bodies, therefore, must follow the practice and procedure set out by the Oireachtas in the relevant Acts, and should not be interfered with - and cannot be- in any regulation made by the Minister for Justice and Equality in this Bill, as is proposed in the amendment. One will see the truth of that if one examines the list of organisations referred to in Schedule 2. It would create a particular difficulty.

In the context of the issue raised by Senator van Turnhout, we are seeking to ensure that notifications are properly made in all circumstances in which they are required in law. I hope the Bill adequately deals with that, as opposed to creating confusion as to whether if someone told one agency another agency would be informed. We are anxious to ensure that notifications are made, after all the experiences in recent years of information not being provided on issues on which it should have been provided. Perhaps this is what I would describe as the ?to be sure to be sure? provision. I would rather be sure than uncertain. The provision sets out clearly where matters stand.