Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 391: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers that have been vetted by the Garda vetting unit to date at both primary and post primary level; the procedure for vetting ancillary staff in schools, such as special needs assistants, caretakers and secretaries; if such staff are also vetted by the Garda vetting unit; the number that have been vetted to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19101/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The arrangements for vetting of teaching and non-teaching staff are set out in Department Circular 0094/2006 which is available on my Department's website. The vetting arrangements were introduced in September 2006 for vetting of new teachers at the time of their initial registration with the Teaching Council.

The vetting procedures also apply to prospective employees for posts that involve working with children such as Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), bus drivers, bus escorts to children with special needs, caretakers and other ancillary staff in schools.

The specific data on vetting requested by the Deputy is not readily available from the Garda Vetting Unit.

Irrespective of the position on vetting by the Garda Vetting Unit where facts or information comes to a Board of Management's attention calling into question a person's suitability to work with children it is a matter for the Board to satisfy itself that the person is suitable to work in that capacity. This will naturally have to be assessed on a case by case basis. The Board will have to consider all the circumstances of the case, give due weight to all relevant factors, and afford fair procedures to the individual concerned before making a decision.