Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026
192. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her attention has been drawn to concerns related to the length of time it is taking to secure Garda vetting for new hires in childminding facilities and the knock on impact this is having for families who cannot access these services due to these delays; the actions she will take to address this concern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29101/26]
View answer193. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding any engagement she has had with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in relation to the delays in processing Garda vetting application for new hires in childminding facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29103/26]
View answer194. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding any engagement she is having with the childcare sector regarding delays in processing Garda vetting applications for new hires and the knock on impact this is having for families who cannot access these services due to these delays; the actions she will take to address this concern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29107/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 192, 193 and 194 together.
In line with the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, all employees, unpaid workers and contractors in an early years service are required to have Garda vetting/Police vetting prior to being allowed access to children. Garda vetting is also a legal requirement for all people working directly with children and vulnerable adults, under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts, 2012-2016. This Act falls under the remit of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Early Childhood Ireland (ECI), who the Department funds to administer Garda Vetting for staff working in Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare settings, have advised that a standard fully complete Garda Vetting application currently takes 15-20 working days to process by the Garda National Vetting Bureau. If the applicant has lived and/or lives in another EU country or the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), their Garda Vetting application can take up to 10 additional working days for EU countries and up to 20 additional working days for the UK.
Tusla Early Years Inspectorate undertake the vetting for registered providers of early years services, Heads of Boards of management for services where the person is the Registered Provider and other persons assigned to carry out quality assurance visits on behalf of the chairperson.
Processing times for vetting applications reflect an EU Directive for enhanced police checks for sexual offences which came into force on July 7th 2025. These changes to the Garda Vetting process and additional timelines are designed to align with evolving best practices and legal requirements. I understand that these timelines are across all Garda Vetting applications and are not sector-specific.
The Department recognises the challenges for Early Years providers in recruitment and retention of staff in a competitive labour market. However, safeguarding children and ensuring their safety is a priority and appropriate vetting must be in place for anyone working directly with children.
