Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
306. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if the remit of the National Vetting Bureau currently covers homeless services; if not, if there are plans to expand the remit of the Bureau; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47342/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, 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.
As the Deputy will appreciate, vetting applications are an operational matter for An Garda Síochána, and neither I nor my Department have any role in the processing of individual vetting applications.
Moreover, oversight of groups working with homeless people is primarily a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the HSE.
In April of this year, Minister McEntee announced the establishment of an inter-departmental working group which is undertaking a review of existing Garda vetting arrangements and legislation, including the inclusion of homeless outreach services. The group is due to report by the end of 2021 and its recommendations will shape the amendments that are required to the vetting legislation and process, including those required to commence periodic re-vetting. The group is specifically examining what, if any, amendments will be required to remove any doubt that outreach and other services for homeless people who are vulnerable are covered by the vetting regime.
