The vetting system used to prevent paedophiles working in childcare jobs must be extended to the community and voluntary sectors, according to Fine Gael.
The party's deputy spokesperson on health and children, Mr Dan Neville, said young people were in grave danger from "paedophile predators" who use these areas of employment to get close to children.
He called on the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, to introduce a sense of urgency into discussions between the Department of Justice and the Garda on a way of extending the vetting service in the childcare area to cover further areas of employment, such as community workers and part-time employees.
"There is no statutory vetting procedure for anyone wishing to work in a voluntary capacity with children and the Government should immediately put in place a system to protect children from the prey of paedophiles," Mr Neville said.
"Vetting procedures in the UK are very comprehensive and well developed, yet it did not prevent the murder of English school girls, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. It is a matter of urgency that the discussions between the Department and the Garda authorities are finalised as soon as possible," he added.