Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
118. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will consider reviewing the Garda vetting process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68330/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. 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.
The Garda Vetting Review Group was established with a primary focus to deliberate and formulate recommendations to strengthen the vetting legislation in an effective manner.
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. This group included members of the National Vetting Bureau in An Garda Síochána, officials from my Department, Tusla and 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.
While the Group has not agreed a formal report, an update on its work was submitted to me and work is being undertaken to implement a number of key recommendations, in consultation with all relevant partners.
It is my aim to ensure the vetting system is fit for purpose, robust and future-proofed to the greatest extent possible, to continue to protect our children and vulnerable adults.
