As the Deputy will appreciate, 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.
The Deputy will be aware 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 the Deputy will appreciate the importance of this task and the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.
The Deputy may be aware that Garda Vetting Review Group was established in April 2021 and meets regularly to discuss proposals regarding potential amendments to vetting legislation. This Group includes members of the National Vetting Bureau in An Garda Síochána and officials from my Department, Tusla and other relevant parties. The primary focus of the Group is to deliberate on and formulate recommendations to strengthen the vetting legislation in an effective manner. The Group is due to report by the end of this year. Issues to be considered by the Group include any changes which may be possible around the matter of re-vetting.
