Balanced approach to child protection needed

The system of Garda vetting needs to change, writes John Byrne.

ANYBODY who works in the areas of social care, child care, or child protection will be familiar with the concept of Garda vetting. It is a process, were an individual makes an application to the gardaí for a declaration outlining whether or not they have any criminal convictions.

The purpose of the application is usually to gain employment (or a voluntary position) working with children or vulnerable adults. The thinking is that if a conviction is registered against the applicant, a potential employer will be made aware of it, and can then make an informed decision on whether or not the applicant poses a risk to their client group.