Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
510. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures being taken to reduce Garda vetting application waiting times and support local clubs (details supplied) who are experiencing difficulties due to volunteers awaiting vetting approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47027/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra549. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the steps being taken to address delays in the Garda vetting process, particularly for the Early Education and Childcare Sectors, where providers report waiting up to eight weeks for vetting clearance for new employees; whether consideration has been given to introducing alternative interim measures, such as recognising a valid Garda vetting disclosure obtained through another regulated employer or service, pending completion of a new vetting application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47756/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 510 and 549 together.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. This includes all operational matters, such as Garda vetting applications which are an operational matter for the Garda National Vetting Bureau under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 (as amended).
The primary purpose of vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau 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.
Responsibility for policy in relation to the childcare and childminding sector rests with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. That Department, together with Tusla, engages directly with the Garda National Vetting Bureau on operational matters affecting the sector.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that from 1 January to 31 March 2026, the Garda National Vetting Bureau received 176,093 and completed 158,989 vetting applications. In 2025 Garda National Vetting Bureau received 633,563 and completed 596,975 vetting applications.
I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding certain aspects of the Garda vetting process and I have listened carefully to the views of affected sectors. Further to the work of an Interdepartmental Vetting Review Group, I have directed that steps be taken to implement a number of key changes, specifically in relation to re-vetting and the portability of vetting.
These changes will require amending legislation and updated technical systems to support the revised approach, to make the process more efficient for volunteers and organisations, without compromising the essential safeguards that protect vulnerable individuals.
My Department is actively engaging with the Garda National Vetting Bureau on the detailed work of developing the necessary legislative and technical steps to meet these goals in a way that is workable in practice. This includes an assessment of appropriate models for an expansion of digital service delivery, which is a very significant project that will necessarily take time to fully scope and implement.
