John Curran
Question:367. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average waiting time for a person going through the Garda vetting process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45386/19]
View answerTuesday, 5 November 2019
Questions (367, 368)
John Curran
Question:368. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí assigned to the administrative duties of Garda vetting within An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45387/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 367 and 368 together.
My Department has no role in the processing of individual vetting applications. The Garda National Vetting Bureau is led by the Chief Bureau Officer (Superintendent). There are also five Sergeants attached to the Bureau, in addition to its complement of Garda Staff personnel. The Garda authorities have informed me, as of 30 September 2019, there are 145 Garda staff working in the Garda National Vetting Bureau.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the average turnaround time is five working days for 80% of applications received from organisations utilising the eVetting system.
I am further informed that all Garda vetting applications are processed on a first come, first served basis in chronological order from date of receipt. This is with a view to observing equity and fairness in respect of all vetting subjects. I understand that the Vetting Bureau works to ensure that the processing time for vetting applications is kept to the minimum necessary in order to ensure that the statutory obligation to receive a vetting disclosure prior to permitting any person to undertake relevant work or activities on behalf of an organisation can be facilitated without undue delay.
I am informed that in respect of certain applications, it is necessary for the Vetting Bureau to conduct further enquiries; for example to confirm information provided by the applicant with external bodies. The time required to receive such information may be outside of the control of the Vetting Bureau. In such instances, processing times may be significantly longer than the average.
Individual applicants can track the process of their application online using the e-vetting tracking system, details of which are contained in the email received by applicants when completing their application online.