320 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals to establish a pre-employment consultancy service similar to that established by DHSSPS in Northern Ireland which has responsibility for approving the suitability of persons wishing to work with children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10217/02]

The pre-employment consultancy service maintained in Northern Ireland by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is compiled from information provided by voluntary and statutory organisations. This information consists of a "list" of workers, paid employees and volunteers, who have been dismissed, transferred to other work, or have resigned in circumstances where it is considered they posed a risk to children or adults with learning disabilities.