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An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021

Tuesday, 15 June 2021

Questions (1128)

Carol Nolan

Question:

1128. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda vetting applications on which a decision has yet to be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30941/21]

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Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that 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 am informed by the Garda authorities that there are no backlogs or delays in Garda Vetting at present.

I am advised that the current turnaround time for vetting applications submitted by organisations utilising the e-Vetting system is 3 to 5 working days for over 85% of vetting applications received. As of 4 June 2021, the processing time is 5 working days.

I am informed that occasionally it is necessary for An Garda Síochána to conduct enquiries with external Garda stations and agencies such as the Courts Service, Probation Service, Child and Family Agency, etc. in relation to processing vetting applications. These enquiries are conducted for a multiplicity of reasons such as verification of identity; updating of incomplete records and establishing outcomes of investigations. I am advised that in such instances, processing times are significantly longer than the average.

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 all applicants when completing their application online. Further details on this facility are also outlined on the An Garda Síochána website, vetting.garda.ie.

I would emphasise to the Deputy 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) Acts 2012-2016. I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate the importance of this task and the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.

As the Deputy may be aware, Minister McEntee recently announced the establishment of an inter-departmental group to undertake a review of Garda vetting arrangements and legislation. The group will examine the consideration of a range of issues and will make recommendations for amending legislation and strengthening the Garda vetting process.

The group will also review the approach to the connected issue of vetting for specific employments. This will include consideration of moving to a system in which a person is vetted for the work they will be, or are likely to be, engaged in in that employment within categories of identified risk and taking into account likely additional responsibilities within the same employment role. This will avoid the need for additional vetting during the same 36 month period if individuals are largely carrying out the same role. Redeployment on promotion or to a substantially different job would continue to require re-vetting.

In both employment and volunteering situations, provision would also be made for vetting certificates to be withdrawn before the expiry of the 36 months if deemed necessary, i.e. in situations where new information comes to light that points to a substantive and immediate risk to children or vulnerable adults.

The group comprises representatives of the Department of Justice, Department of Health, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth, Department of the Taoiseach, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and the Public Appointments Service. As part of the work of the group, a public consultation process will be undertaken.

Question No. 1129 answered with Question No. 1101.
Question No. 1130 answered with Question No. 1101.
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