Church leaders call for better vetting procedures

CATHOLIC Church leaders have called on the Government to introduce better vetting procedures for people working with children “as a matter of urgency.”

Bishop of Kilmore Dr Leo O’Reilly yesterday said a vetting and clearing system similar to the highly-praised Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults system in use in Northern Ireland was necessary in the aftermath of the Ferns Report.

He said the limitations of the Church’s own checking procedures in the absence of a stronger State system could place children at risk.