Serious flaws have been revealed in the way schools screen potential teachers in the recruitment and hiring process.

The Government's response to a ministerial inquiry into the employment of sex offender Terito Miki has just been released by Education Minister Hekia Parata.  The report makes 35 recommendations made to the Government to improve the entire system.

Terito Miki was discovered to have been employed in six schools since his conviction.  Former Ombudsman Mel Smith's report describes Miki's case as extreme, complicated with identity fraud, as he was using 53 names.  The report identified huge problems in the system, including the need for more data sharing between numerous agencies.  The 35 recommendations include tougher employment and identity checks, improved information sharing, and better hiring practices. 

Minister Hekia Parata says the policy and processes of name changing is being reviewed by Internal Affairs, with a report due in October.  She announced most of the recommendations within the report will be carried out.

- Newstalk ZB