Hanafin promises garda vetting system

The Minister for Education, Mary Hanafin, has promised that a garda vetting system will be extended to cover anyone working with children and vulnerable adults by the middle of this month.

Responding to questions from Fine Gael's Olwyn Enright, the minister said the garda unit responsible would extend its remit shortly.

At the same time she said the Government did not want to discourage people who do voluntary work with children.

The minister said she is satisfied with procedures in place in schools to protect children from abuse.

19 teachers are currently on extended leave while allegations of abuse made against them are being investigated.