Soham-style tragedy ‘could happen here’

IRISH children are vulnerable to a Soham-style tragedy because vetting procedures in our schools and sporting groups are grossly inadequate, the ISPCC warned last night.

In the wake of the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children said vast numbers of staff and volunteers in sporting, cultural and community groups and some civil service jobs are not screened for their suitability to work with children.

There is no legal obligation on employers to carry out background checks and new legislation due later this year will actually make it illegal for employers to insist on checks as a condition of employment.