Listen to the experts

AS the people of Soham reflect on the horrible revelations about the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, the ISPCC call for the immediate introduction of vetting procedures for those wishing to work with children in Ireland could not be more timely.

There is a glaring need for a water-tight system to ensure the adequate protection of children in a world where they are becoming more vulnerable by the day.

Though Britain already has a reasonably effective system in place, the tragedy of Soham has starkly illustrated the risks involved. By way of contrast, the vetting procedures in operation in this country are woefully inadequate.