Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024
494. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice if the process for Garda clearance for local authority housing applicants has been centralised; if so, when this took place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36349/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes all operational matters such as the process for local authorities to obtain criminal record checks for local authority housing applicants. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions, nor can I seek to direct the Commissioner in these matters.
I have contacted the Garda authorities and have been advised that this process remains decentralised (the responsibility of the local Superintendent), as provided for under Section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997.
For the Deputy's information, Section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 provides for local authorities to obtain criminal record checks in respect of persons applying for housing, including persons the authority believes may have been engaged in anti-social behaviour.
To be clear, no individual who applies for social housing in Ireland is subject to Garda vetting. The purpose of vetting under the National Vetting Bureau Acts is to act as an important component of safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society i.e. children and vulnerable adults. However, a local authority may seek information in relation to any person seeking a house from specified persons under section 15 of the 1997 Act, including An Garda Síochána, or from another local authority.
