“This Bill is further evidence that this Government values our young and vulnerable and it is an immense pity that it took the abuse of countless children to get us to this point. The publication of the wording of the Children’s Referendum today underlines the Government’s determined effort to better safeguard our children.

“Two particular aspects of the National Vetting Bureau Bill will make considerable differences to the way people working with children are hired. Firstly, it allows for ‘specified information’ to be taken into account. Furthermore, ‘soft information’ which would include details on a person gathered during a Garda inquiry, but where there was no conviction, can also be taken into account. The second crucial element of the Bill is the fact that it will enforce criminal sanctions on those who do not properly use the new vetting system.

“Concerns have been aired regarding the possible consequences of this new vetting legislation, with the suggestion that internet grooming and cyber stalking may increase as a result. This undoubtedly poses challenges for both legislators and parents; we all need to be more vigilant to ensure children are protected from this terrible threat. As legislators, we need to do our utmost to protect our youth from the harmful effects of not just internet grooming, but also from sites that promote harmful behaviour.

“Step by step, this Government is addressing the gaping holes in our child protection system. The National Vetting Bureau Bill is a crucial part of that process. We must now consider the next steps and ensure we are proactive about emerging threats to our children.”