Plans by the Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain to appoint a minister for children's rights were today welcomed by charities and the province's politicians.
Mr Hain made the announcement after a review of vetting arrangements for would-be child workers called for clear guidelines from the British government to help organisations safeguard youngsters.
The review published by Nigel Williams, the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, was ordered following the inquiry into the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, two schoolgirls in Soham in August 2002.
Mr Williams said vetting was a major part of child protection and it was the responsibility of all agencies to ensure there were consistent guidelines.
“I have made recommendations in five key areas, aimed at improving the safety of children and young people by improving the way we protect them from potential abusers who try to gain positions of trust through employment or volunteering,” he said.
“I know that we cannot create a perfect way to do this but I want to make sure that we do all we can and I'm calling on the secretary of state to extend the statutory requirement to make sure that all adults who want to work with or volunteer to work with children are vetted.”
Leading children's charities - Barnardo's Northern Ireland, NSPCC Northern Ireland, NCH Northern Ireland and Save The Children - welcomed plans to appoint a minister.
PA