Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1087. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice for a breakdown, in tabular form, of the number of Garda vetting applications which solely return convictions more than 30 years old; and if she will make statement in relation to any legislative reforms she has planned to the Garda vetting process.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37406/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to seek to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. Vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána primarily in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I have been informed by Garda authorities that information related to the number of Garda Vetting Applications which solely return convictions more than 30 years old is not available, as the eVetting system is not configured to produce reports of this nature.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Garda Vetting Review Group was established in April 2021 and includes members of the GNVB in An Garda Síochána, officials from my Department, from Tusla, and from other relevant Departments and stakeholders.
The primary focus of the Group is strengthening the vetting legislation in an effective manner, including any changes that may be possible in relation to multipurpose vetting or re-vetting.
I have been advised that the work of the review group is close to finalisation, and I expect to receive the Group’s report on arrangements for Garda Vetting, including any recommended legislative amendments, in the coming weeks.
