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Garda Vetting

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020

Tuesday, 10 November 2020

Questions (628)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

628. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice if Garda vetting for special needs assistants will be brought in line with fast-tracked vetting for teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35033/20]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, vetting applications are an operational matter for An Garda Síochána. Neither I, as Minister, nor my Department have any role in the processing of vetting applications.

I have requested information from the Garda Commissioner in relation to this matter but it was unfortunately not possible to compile it in the time available.

I will write to the Deputy directly with the information requested, when it is available.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question Number 628 for answer on 11 November 2020, in which you requested whether Garda vetting for special needs assistants will be brought in line with fast-tracked vetting for teachers. You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.
As you will be aware, vetting applications are an operational matter for An Garda Síochána. Neither I, as Minister, nor my Department have any role in the processing of individual vetting applications.
I would emphasise that the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. It is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016. I am sure that you will appreciate the importance of this task and the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that there are currently no backlogs or delays in Garda Vetting.
The Bureau continues to prioritise all COVID-19 related Vetting Applications and since the pandemic broke on 12th March, have processed over 61,000 of these, including applications for Special Needs Assistants. In July, the Bureau informed the Department of Education and Skills that all Education posts would be prioritised for the reopening of schools. The current turnaround time for 85% of Vetting Applications received is approximately 3-5 working days.
Since 12 March 2020, the Garda National Vetting Bureau has processed 10,882 applications for Special Needs Assistants. 8,473 of these relate to the Temporary Re-Assignments of SNAs due to COVID-19.
Individual applicants can track the process of their application online using the eVetting Tracking System, details of which are contained in the email received by applicants when completing their application online. Further details on this facility are also outlined on the An Garda Síochána website, vetting.garda.ie.
I hope this information is of assistance.
Question No. 629 answered with Question No. 593.
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