Vetting bill criticised for leaving ‘blindspots’

Blindspots in draft child-vetting laws will allow “potential predators” who are a “very real danger” to children to move among groups without adequate background checks.

Barnardos, the country’s largest children’s charity, made the claim after Justice Minister Alan Shatter confirmed the imminent National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill would leave certain areas unexamined.

Under the legislation, there will be a significant improvement in background checks for teachers, sports coaches, and medics who have a direct role with children.