John Brady
Question:123. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice the current status of the Garda vetting process; when the review is expected to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14346/25]
View answerWednesday, 26 March 2025
Questions (123)
Written answers
The primary objective of the vetting conducted by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. This is an important task that must be delivered accurately.
Vetting is performed by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 - 2016. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
Organisations working with children and vulnerable people understand their responsibility to recruit and employ only suitable candidates. A rigorous Garda vetting process reassures citizens that appropriate checks are conducted on individuals assuming positions of trust.
I am informed by Garda authorities that the current Garda Vetting system is delivered in a standard format to each organisation seeking Garda Vetting and this methodology is in line with good practice internationally.
In general, the vetting process functions as follows;
Step 1 – The subject manually completes and forwards to the relevant organisation a vetting application form and provides their consent and proof of identity.
Step 2 – The relevant organisation confirms proof of identity and sends the subject an e-mail with link attached inviting him/her to complete a his/her vetting application form.
Step 3 – The subject completes their vetting application form online and submits it to the relevant organisation.
Step 4 – The relevant organisation reviews the vetting application form and submits it to the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB).
Step 5 – The Garda National Vetting Bureau processes the vetting application and issues a disclosure to the relevant organisation.
Step 6 – The relevant organisation accesses the disclosure via the online vetting portal.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the vetting process for An Garda Síochána can vary greatly for individual candidates due to aspects that may impact one candidate, but not another, for example having lived abroad in several countries compared to having lived solely in Ireland. Each vetting check is performed on its own merits and a standard timeframe for completion is not available.
The Garda Vetting Review Group was tasked with ensuring that any modifications to the vetting process maintain its robustness, efficiency, and effectiveness while improving service to customers.
I assure the Deputy that the Group's primary focus has been to explore ways to strengthen the vetting legislation in a practical and effective manner.
I have been informed that the Group's report on Garda Vetting arrangements is nearing completion, and I look forward to receiving it soon.