Written question asked by David Lidington (Conservative) on Monday, 16 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 January 2006. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Thursday, 26 January 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Lavery Report

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in respect of each recommendation of the Lavery Report on vetting and child protection in Northern Ireland (a) whether the Government accepts the recommendation, (b) the action that the Government have taken to date in respect of the recommendation; (c) any further action he intends to take; (d) the time scale for such further action and (e) whether the recommendation requires legislation.

Answer: The Government issued a response to the report by the Commissioner for Children and Young People on vetting arrangements in Northern Ireland, ““A Right to Protection””, which was conducted by Ruth Lavery on 22 November 2005. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House. Government have accepted all of the Commissioner's recommendations. The response sets out the actions that have been or will be taken. Government have agreed to provide the Commissioner with time scales for the completion of outstanding actions as soon as possible. Finally, legislation will be required for those recommendations linked to the implementation of the Bichard Report in Northern Ireland.

Secondary information