Huntley was hired despite prior accusations against him

A formal review of child protection vetting arrangements in Northern Ireland is to take place later in the year.

Secretary of State Paul Murphy said preparations for the review were well under way and it would begin once a Home Office inquiry was completed.

The Bichard Inquiry is currently investigating flaws in vetting procedures and police intelligence handling which allowed the Soham murderer, Ian Huntley, to get his job as a caretaker.

He murdered the two 10-year-olds, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, in the Cambridgeshire village in August 2002.

Mr Murphy made an announcement about the review on Tuesday.

He said: "Following the tragic deaths of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, it behoves all of us to ensure that the arrangements and procedures which exist to protect children are the very best that they can be.

Report due in May

"In Northern Ireland, we intend to conduct a formal review of our own procedures in collaboration with the Commissioner for Children and Young People.

"Preparations for the review in the relevant departments are already well under way, so that once the Bichard Inquiry has reported in the summer, work can start immediately on examining the Northern Ireland arrangements in detail, drawing on the findings of that report."

The secretary of state also indicated that more detailed information, including the terms of reference for the review would be published over the coming months.

The Bichard Inquiry is due to report in May 2004.

In Northern Ireland, current vetting arrangements fall within remit of a number of departments.

These include the DHSSPS, DE, Northern Ireland Office and Police Service of Northern Ireland.