Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 1195: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the British authorities have given a reason for their decision to cancel the service formerly provided for the Garda Síochána of vetting British or Six County residents who have applied to work with children here; the steps he proposes to take to enable vetting of such applicants in the wake of this decision; if a reversal of the decision will be sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2252/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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On 13 December 2005, the British National Central Bureau of Interpol issued a communiqué to all Interpol member states, including Ireland, signalling changes in British vetting procedures. The nature of these changes would have the potential to create significant difficulties for the Garda Síochána in submitting requests for vetting to the British authorities. Accordingly, high level contact is occurring between the Garda authorities and their British Interpol counterparts with a view to reaching a satisfactory resolution of the potential difficulties.

I am closely monitoring developments. Should a satisfactory resolution not be reached at a police-to-police level, I will not hesitate to pursue the matter in other fora.