23 November 2005

Justice

Recording 'Soft Information' on persons posing a risk to children

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to make legislative changes to provide for the recording of soft information regarding people who have been identified as a risk to children but who do not have a criminal conviction for child abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 

Minister For Justice, Equality and Law Reform: The question of placing on a statutory basis the recording and use of the type of information as referred to in the Question which may be on the possession of the Garda Síochána arises in the context of an examination being carried out in my Department concerning the placing of the Garda Vetting Unit procedures on a statutory basis.  This is a comprehensive exercise which will take into account the legal and constitutional issues that will arise when deciding on the type of information that can be made available, and the circumstances in which it can be made available, by the Vetting Unit. 

I cannot give an accurate estimate at present as to when the examination will be complete.