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Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill [HL]

My probing Amendment No. 41 in this group would ensure that the IBB gives consideration to how representations can be facilitated by those who may find it harder to make representations; that is, persons under the age of 18 and disabled persons as defined under the Disability Discrimination Act. Will the Minister tell us how the Government intend the representations process to work in practice? The amendment would ensure that the IBB puts in place appropriate mechanisms to ensure that young and disabled people can make adequate representations to the IBB. For young people, that would give effect to Article 12(2) of the UNCRC. I presume that for disabled people the IBB, like everyone else, would be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act. Will the Minister confirm that and give an outline of the form in which representations will have to be made to the IBB? Will there be written submissions, oral hearings and so on? What will be the time limits for those who might be on the barring list to make their representations? Will the Minister give assurances that the needs of children, in making representations, will be considered? Often, children have lower levels of understanding and may feel very intimidated if they are called on to give oral representations. Will they have a chance to arrange for someone to make representations on their behalf? Despite the fact that the Minister says that the IBB will have to decide these things for themselves, perhaps he will give us the reassurances we seek.