James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to prevent a person (details supplied) having access to vulnerable children here or abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24480/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The name of the person concerned was removed from the Medical Register in November 2008. I am informed by the Medical Council that it notifies all EU medical regulatory authorities when a doctor has been struck off in this jurisdiction. In addition, where the Council is aware that the doctor has a relationship with a medical regulatory authority outside the EU, it notifies any such authority as a matter of course of the imposition of the sanction.

I am informed by the HSE that it has worked with the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) to streamline procedures for vetting those working in health services in respect of children and vulnerable adults. A new streamlined system commenced on 1st January, 2006 and has greatly improved turnaround times.

The Garda Central Vetting Unit provides its vetting service for each sector requiring vetting via a sectoral 'central point of contact', the task of which is to process vetting applications centrally for that sector. The Garda Central Vetting Unit has confirmed that all information on individuals regarding prosecutions whether successful or not is provided in relation to garda vetting applications.

Dealing with child abuse is the responsibility of everyone in society. As well as vetting, the responsibility is on employers to carry out complete reference checks and to be alert and act on all allegations in accordance with Children First Guidelines. These Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children were published in September 1999. These are national over-arching guidelines that apply to all individuals and agencies that deal with children. The key message of the Children First Guidelines is that anyone who works with, has responsibility for, or comes into contact with, children should be aware of the signs of abuse, be alert to the possibility of abuse, and be familiar with the basic procedures to report their concerns.