Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2019
158. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to enable parents to access Garda vetting for childminders to work with children as distinct from applications being taken only from organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22541/19]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, 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.
At the time this legislation was being considered by the Houses of the Oireachtas, it was not considered appropriate or feasible for the State to require vetting in regard to a person’s private family arrangements including in relation to private babysitting and childminding arrangements.
That said vetting requirements may arise in the context of a scheme for registered childminders. The regulation of this sector is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Ms Katherine Zappone T.D.
