Families or volunteers who host children for the Chernobyl Children's Appeal are not vetted by the Garda. Carl O'Brien, Social Affairs Correspondent, reports.
The voluntary group, which takes in about 250 children a year, said yesterday it had "vigorous" vetting procedures in place. However, this does not include Garda vetting, the group confirmed yesterday. In a statement the Chernobyl Children's Appeal said it was "shocked and deeply saddened" by recent events. Mr Peppard was accepted as a host because he was known to former members of the board as a scout leader and a person of strong standing in the community, it said.
"Chernobyl Children's Appeal are unaware of any inappropriate behaviour by John Peppard beyond those matters which are the subject of his recent court appearance. Mr Peppard has had no association with our charity since July 2003," the statement said.
The group's chairman Michael Dent said various forms of vetting have been introduced since 2000, while a more rigorous system has been in place since 2003. This system includes letters of reference (from members of the community such as a priest or schoolteacher), interviews with family members and a close liaison with the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Mr Dent said the group had inquired regularly about seeking Garda vetting, however, he said it was told this would not be a possibility until later this year.
However, the office of the Minister for Children yesterday said it was open to all voluntary groups to avail of Garda vetting procedures.
The largest group which takes in children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the Chernobyl Children's Project International, said its vetting system does include Garda checks. The group - which has no association with the Chernobyl Children's Appeal - said its host families and volunteers are vetted on an annual basis by the HSE (which includes Garda checks) and its designated child liaison officers.
"Families must adhere to our rigorous screening procedures which are lengthy and can often take many months," the group said.