Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 174: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legislation underpinning the Garda central vetting unit and the vetting procedures; when it is proposed to begin and complete the vetting of child care staff; when it is proposed to begin and complete the vetting of teaching staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41323/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The vetting of persons by the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) is statutorily supported according to the category of person to be vetted by, inter alia, the Civil Service Commissioners Act 1956, Employment Agency Act 1971, Child Care Act 1991 and Private Security Services Act 2004.

Moreover, legislative proposals are currently under preparation within my Department to statutorily underpin the vetting by the Garda Síochána of persons recruited to work with children and vulnerable adults. Proposals in this regard will be submitted to the Government in the normal manner.

In respect of the primary and post-primary education sectors, the GCVU has already expanded its vetting service in respect of all new teaching recruits as of the start of the school year this year.

In respect of the childcare sector, the GCVU is ready to commence expansion of its vetting service, on a phased basis, to all such service providers from early 2007, subject to agreement on appropriate liaison mechanisms for the sector, including the identification of a sectoral central point of contact to manage vetting applications and disclosures thereon.