Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2015
151. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a self-employed person may obtain Garda vetting for the purpose of providing courses in a second-level school; if not, her plans to extend Garda vetting to the self-employed and to sole traders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6381/15]
View answerThe Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting to organisations registered with the Gardaí for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults.
Garda Vetting is presently conducted under policy as opposed to legislation. At present, in order that an organisation would be entitled to register with the GCVU, they must outline their level of substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults.
Given the large number and wide range of client groups, the registration process is managed through umbrella organisations which provide single points of contact. This ensures more effective coordination and improved quality control in the various sectors and a more efficient use of resources in the vetting process. It is not possible or feasible to extend the registration process to individuals as this would result in the vetting process being overwhelmed and consequent unacceptable delays in processing times.
Due to a need to review the disclosure provisions in the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012, the Act has yet to be commenced. However, once commenced the Act will provide that any organisation/individual who is able to establish that they are conducting relevant work, as defined in the Act, will be able to register with the Garda Central Vetting Unit for vetting services either in their own capacity or through an umbrella organisation as appropriate.
Taking into account the current position as outlined above, it is recommended that the category of persons referred to in the Deputy's question consults within their own profession with a view to identifying the appropriate umbrella organisation to handle their application.
