Proposed amendments to the Constitution concerning the exchange of information about suspected child abusers, could create a "recruitment crisis" in the area of childcare, the president of Irish Association of Social Care Workers (IASCW) has warned.
Addressing more than 120 delegates at the association's annual conference in Limerick yesterday, Phil McFadden said his organisation welcomed measures that would strengthen child protection, however he expressed concern about some of the proposed measures.
"The organisation is concerned that the proposals to introduce the use of 'soft information' in the vetting process, would allow information about accusation of abuse against staff to be exchanged even when the allegations have been dropped or proved to be unfounded," explained Mr McFadden.
"We believe this could have the unintended effect of undermining essential services to vulnerable children, as well as depriving social care staff of the right to their good name," he added.
Mr McFadden said introducing unproven allegations in the vetting process for social care workers could leave innocent staff unprotected against false allegations, which could have a "devastating effect" on their careers, incomes and standing in society.
"Our fear is this could discourage many high quality social care professionals from seeking work or continuing to work in childcare. This could have a devastating impact by creating a recruitment crisis in a sector, where it is already difficult to recruit and retain staff," he added.
Mr McFadden said the association was available to discuss its concerns with the Government.
Addressing delegates last night, Minister of State for Children Brian Lenihan said it was a matter of grave concern that the Constitution currently does not permit the exchange of so called "soft information" about child abusers. "It is a matter of grave concern to the Government that the Constitution as it stands inhibits the power of the Oireachtas to provide for the exchange of information between the Gardaí, social services and prospective employers of people working with children," Mr Lenihan said.
"This means that it is difficult to warn employers about people who have been suspected of, but not charged with, sexual misconduct relating to children. This is clearly an imbalance in our Constitution, one which this present amendment will set right," he added.
The IASCW yesterday welcomed plans to regulate the occupation of social care workers under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. About 14,000 practitioners in 12 health and social care professions will be subject to regulation.