Garda Vetting of Personnel

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Questions (237)

Peter Burke

Question:

237. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if universities and institutes of technology come under the requirements that require staff to be Garda vetted as per requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012; if such requirements are required in circumstances in which staff are close to retiring; the penalties enacted on those persons who do not register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7174/18]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

Employment vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána primarily in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016. The Deputy will understand that the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults.

In accordance with the legislation, registered organisations must obtain vetting for all persons seeking employment and volunteers, where the relevant work or activities of the position sought involves regular access to children or vulnerable adults.  The requirements in this regard are set out in the legislation.

The Deputy will appreciate that the vetting obligations apply to all persons carrying out relevant work or activities, as provided for under the legislation, regardless of when a person is likely to retire.