Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
207. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she has engaged with An Garda Síochána in respect of providing a blanket clearance for persons cleared by gardaí that can be used across multiple roles by the person; and if she will consider a time-limited certificate persons could present in lieu of separate Garda clearance requests. [8573/24]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the primary purpose of the employment vetting carried out by the Garda National Vetting Bureau is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate the importance of this task and the need for it to be carried out thoroughly and correctly.
Vetting is carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the provisions of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 - 2016. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Garda Vetting Review Group was established in April 2021 and meets regularly to discuss potential amendments to vetting legislation. This group includes members of the Vetting Bureau, officials from my Department, from Tusla, and from other relevant stakeholders.The primary focus of the Group is on strengthening the vetting legislation in an effective manner, including any changes that may be possible in relation to multi-purpose vetting or re-vetting.
I expect to receive the Group’s report on arrangements for Garda Vetting in the context of the introduction of a statutory re-vetting regime early this year.
