Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 October 2025
35. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will consider the introduction of a Garda vetting card which, once initially approved, could be reviewed and renewed on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52723/25]
View answerThe primary purpose of vetting carried out by An Garda Siochana under the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 - 2016 is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults.
I believe the many organisations nationwide whose work focuses on the safety, enjoyment and comfort of children and vulnerable people understand that they must take all reasonable steps to ensure that only suitable people are recruited and employed. I know they take this responsibility very seriously.
This requires a robust Garda vetting process that reassures the public, and in particular parents, that appropriate checks are conducted on people taking on positions of trust.
I am aware that organisations and groups have raised a number of issues with the current process, in particular the requirement for multiple revettings. My Department is working to consider solutions to these matters. The Garda Vetting Review Group was tasked with ensuring that any changes to the vetting process keep it robust, efficient and effective while improving the service it provides. The membership of the group included the Gardaí, officials from my Department, from Tusla, and from other relevant stakeholders.
The Group’s primary focus has been to examine the means of strengthening the vetting legislation in a workable and effective manner, while seeking to balance this with issues that have arisen regarding the re-vetting period and the transfer of vetting across other similar activities, for example with sports teams.
I have been updated on the Group's work and have decided that a number of key recommendations should now be implemented, in consultation with all relevant partners. It is my objective to ensure the vetting system is fit for purpose, robust and - to the greatest extent possible - efficient and future-proofed to continue to protect our children and vulnerable adults.
