Lord Cullen led the Dunblane Inquiry

The idea is to ensure that people considered unsuitable for work with children, either as employees or volunteers, can be identified.

These would include people who have been sacked, or moved within their workplace because they had put a child at risk of harm.

Once on the index, it would be a criminal offence to try to seek employment with children without revealing the fact.

Youth workers have broadly welcomed the proposals, although they are concerned that investigating prospective employees may place an unacceptable financial burden on voluntary groups.

However, there is a more serious concern from civil liberties groups.

They point out that workplace disciplinary procedures, which could lead to inclusion on the index, rarely satisfy human rights laws.

The Scottish Executive launched a consultation exercise on its plans and ministers say they will consider the responses before bringing forward policy proposals next year.