Children’s Referendum must address ‘soft information’ on suspected offenders - Enright

Fine Gael Education Spokesperson Olwyn Enright TD has said the promised referendum on children’s rights must ensure that procedures for vetting people to work with children are able to include ‘soft information’ on suspect behaviour as well convictions.

“Fine Gael welcomes the fact that the Government is finally giving serious consideration to protecting the rights of children by way of a referendum. However, any referendum must also ensure that procedures to vet adults who work with children can include soft information on previous suspect behaviour, as well as hard information concerning criminal convictions.

“In December 2003 Fine Gael proposed a series of measures to ensure adequate vetting of anyone working with children or vulnerable adults. These proposals outlined the need to ensure that vetting procedures take account of soft information, and provided very clear guidelines to do so. It is essential that this safeguard is put in place in order to protect the good name of people who wish to work with children, as well as ensuring that children receive the highest form of protection.

“The Government has indicated there may be constitutional difficulties arising from the provision of this essential safeguard. This is a valid concern but it has been used as an excuse by the Government to stall any progress on the issue.

“The Soham murderer Ian Huntley was able to work in a school in spite of the fact that he had previously been investigated on several occasions for rape and sexual assault. The lack of any conviction meant that his past history did not prevent him from working in a school environment. This week we have again seen the ease with which a convicted sexual offender can come to the Republic. We must therefore ensure that everything is done to protect our children.

“In Northern Ireland, soft information is included as part of vetting procedures and it is imperative that we introduce a similar strict policy in this part of the island. If the Government is as committed to protecting the rights of children as it claims, it must ensure that the promised referendum addresses any constitutional issues arising from the use of soft information.”