Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
998. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the average time being taken currently (in weeks) to attain garda vetting to work in the early years and school age care sector as an educator; the number of applications that were received in 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of those applications have been approved and rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39828/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGarda vetting is 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 (3-4 weeks) 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 (6 weeks total) for EU countries and up to 20 additional working days (8 weeks total) for the UK.
The following table below outlines ECI data on applications received in 2025 and up to 22 May 2026 in relation to relevant staff working in Early Years.
|
Early Childhood Ireland Vetting of staff |
2025 |
2026 |
Notes |
|
Early Childhood Ireland Vetting of staff |
2025 |
2026 |
Notes |
|
Applications Received |
46,600 |
16,810* |
* As of 22.05.2026 |
|
Applications Completed (approved) |
35,370 |
9,637 |
|
|
Applications in process |
N/A |
4,537 |
|
It should be noted that Early Childhood Ireland does not hold data on the number of applications rejected, as this is determined by the National Vetting Bureau. In addition, not all applications submitted reach a “completed” status. Common reasons include when an application expires due to failure to complete within the 30-day timeframe or if an application is cancelled due to incorrect information or the applicant does not proceed.
Processing times are also advised to this Department from the Garda National Vetting Bureau and are in line with ECI timelines given above. Processing times are across all sectors and not specific to Early Years. The Department engage on an ongoing basis with the Garda National Vetting Bureau to discuss operational issues and to ensure the sector is kept up to date on any vetting changes affecting Early Years services. We will continue to liaise with the GNVB to support the sector.
