Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
629. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to previous Parliamentary Questions, to provide an update into the introduction of a national Garda vetting card to streamline the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37276/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults.
Vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 - 2016.
I believe that organisations 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, and 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.
Garda authorities have advised that the current system relating to Garda Vetting is delivered in a standard format to each organisation seeking Garda Vetting.
The relevant organisation has responsibility for validating the identification and personal details in respect of individual vetting subjects. Those applications are transmitted directly from the relevant organisation to the National Vetting Bureau, minimising the risk of applications being fraudulently interfered with by any third party, in advance of receipt at the National Vetting Bureau.
The Garda Vetting Review Group was tasked with ensuring that any changes to the vetting process ensure it remains robust, efficient and effective while improving the service to customers. The membership of the group includes 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. A report on the work of the Group was recently submitted for my approval and work will now begin to implement the key recommendations therein in consultation with all relevant partners.
