Child protection - No room for complacency in schools

It is completely unacceptable that a year after being announced by the Government, garda background checks are still not being carried out on workers in schools, community groups or the childcare sector.

Child protection is a vital area where every possible safeguard should be in place and any delays in doing so are indefensible.

Almost 12 months ago Minister for Children Brian Lenihan decided that the Garda Central Vetting Unit would be expanded, a decision emanating from a review prompted by the horrific murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman by school caretaker Ian Huntley.