Protecting children - Increase in Garda checks welcome

The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) was established in 2002 with the aim of vetting those intending to work with children or other vulnerable people.

The need was highlighted not only in the revelations of the shocking Ryan report, but also in the scandals involving coaches who abused children over the years.

In a number of the more horrific instances outlined in the Ryan report, people were forewarned about the paedophile activities of certain people, but for various reasons the abusers were not stopped, or they were moved to places where they continued their sordid and depraved practices.