Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 501: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Questions Nos. 8 and 43 of 23 June 2005, the number of times and the frequency with which the implementation group meets; when the Garda vetting will be expanded to include youth and community workers both paid and non-paid; if he will provide information regarding arrangements in operation for the exchange of information with the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23699/05]

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 502: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 8 and 43 of 23 June 2005, if there are measures in place to vet leaders, organisers and coaches that are running summer camps and sports camps for children ranging from five to 18 years in age by the Garda central vetting unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23700/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to takes Questions Nos. 501 and 502 together.

The implementation group on Garda vetting, which is chaired by the Garda authorities, has met on six occasions to date since its first meeting in November 2004, with an average frequency of approximately one meeting every five weeks.

Regarding the exchange of information, I am informed by the Garda authorities that reciprocal arrangements are in place to facilitate direct contacts between the Garda Síochána and the police services of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

As previously advised, a phased extension of the current vetting arrangements to relevant sectors and groups involving the substantial, unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults will take place, including to the kinds of client groups identified by the Deputy. It is not possible to provide precise dates for this phased extension but work within the implementation group is progressing apace in this regard.