Vetting Response Online

THE Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley has today published her response to Government action on checking adults who want to work with, or volunteer to work with children.

The response comes two years after NICCY first published its ‘Right to Protection’ report on vetting.

Ms Lewsley said that there has been substantial progress since then, but more needs to be done to make sure that children and young people are protected from those convicted of sexual offences against children and young people.

She particularly highlighted the need for stronger cross-border co-operation – within the UK, the Republic of Ireland and across Europe – to track paedophiles who may try and obtain work with children and young people.

“Today I am publishing on my website, www.niccy.org, my response to Government action,” she said. “I have passed this report on to the Government and look forward to their response.

“I hope that with the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister settled into the new mandate, that issues I have raised will be dealt with as a priority.”

Notes for Editors

• The original 2004/2005 report – A Right to Protection can be found here
• The response to Government action can be found here
• Further information on the work of the Commissioner can be found here on the web site