Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when Garda vetting will be extended to all workers involved in the childcare sector, private and community based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30208/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Central Vetting Unit is currently engaged in a phased expansion of its vetting service to ensure that all organisations in the child and vulnerable adult care sectors are in receipt of vetting for their personnel.

This expansion process is being overseen by a multi-agency Implementation Group on Garda Vetting, and it involves a structured and negotiated engagement with all relevant State and non-State sectors. In this regard, the Childcare Directorate of the Office of the Minister for Children is represented on the Implementation Group.

The Childcare Directorate is responsible for the implementation of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010, which are major investment programmes to develop a quality childcare infrastructure through the provision of grant assistance to both private and community-based childcare providers.

I understand that discussions are ongoing with relevant stakeholders with a view to agreeing modalities for the expansion of the GCVU's vetting service to private and community-based childcare providers. I am not in a position at this stage to indicate when these negotiations may be concluded.