Criminal records checks: PSNI get greater access to European files

Police checks are carried out on anyone who wants to work with children in Northern Ireland

The authorities in Northern Ireland are to be granted access to criminal records in more European countries.

It is part of an extension to the Access NI scheme, which vets employees.

It means police will have access to the criminal records of people from Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania or Spain.

They can check on their suitability to work with children in Northern Ireland.

Access NI supplies criminal history information about job applicants, volunteers and employees to would-be employers.