Vetting law to protect children on hold since 2012

The Vetting Act that safeguards children has been stalled for amendments to ensure it does not breach privacy rights, the Department of Justice has confirmed.

The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons Act) 2012 has still not been implemented, although it was enacted three years ago.

It was introduced to put garda clearance for people working with youngsters on a statutory footing. The department said the delay, and a review of legislation, were necessary following a landmark privacy case in the UK.