College staff face Garda checks under bill terms

THOUSANDS of staff in universities will have to undergo Garda vetting under the current terms of a draft bill because of the small number of students under the age of 18 attending colleges.

The Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality yesterday heard representations from 12 separate groups on the proposed National Vetting Bureau Bill 2011, highlighting concerns over potential loopholes.

Among the groups addressing the committee was the Irish Universities Association, who said the bill as it stands would require all staff at universities and Institute of Technologies to be vetted because of students aged under 18 in third level, and because of the level of “pastoral care” and assistance provided to students which necessitates one-on-one contact between staff and students.