I propose to take Questions Nos. 412, 414 and 415 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of applications received at the Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) between March 2012 and June 2013 is as set out in the following table.
Month
|
No.
|
March 2012
|
24,264
|
April 2012
|
21,183
|
May 2012
|
26,393
|
June 2012
|
24,284
|
July 2012
|
23,105
|
August 2012
|
17,807
|
September 2012
|
25,935
|
October 2012
|
33,713
|
November 2012
|
28,317
|
December 2012
|
21,366
|
January 2013
|
21,670
|
February 2013
|
25,446
|
March 2013
|
25,953
|
April 2013
|
27,777
|
May 2013
|
28,805
|
June 2013
|
27,442
|
I am further informed that Garda records indicate that there are 67,319 applications currently waiting to be processed at the GCVU. This number fluctuates on an ongoing basis, depending on the numbers of applications received.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current average processing time for applications is approximately 14 weeks from date of receipt. However, seasonal fluctuations and the necessity to seek additional information on particular applications can result in this average processing time being exceeded on occasion. All organisations registered for Garda Vetting are aware of the processing time-frames for the receipt of Garda vetting and have been advised to factor this into their recruitment and selection process.